EDA Week #1: Breaking the Stigma
Group Support organized 2 weeks of Eating Disorder Awareness Week, the focus will be on discussing general awareness, and support, and celebrating milestones and small steps. This will be an opportunity for all of us to come together and extend our support and compassion to all who struggling with eating disorders.
Today, I want to talk about eating disorders that are often misunderstood and surrounded by stigma. It is important to break these myths and misconceptions associated with it to promote understanding and support for those who are affected. Here are some common myths about eating disorders, along with the facts to debunk them:
Myth 1: Eating disorders are a choice.
One myth is that individuals with eating disorders choose to have them. But this is not true. Eating disorder is a complex mental struggle influenced by a range of factors, such as genetics, environment, and psychological well-being. They are not a matter of willpower or a conscious decision.
Myth 2: It is only about weight and appearance.
While weight and body image can play a key role. They are not about vanity, but about coping with difficult emotions and experiences. And, it is complex, it is influenced by a range of factors. Addressing the root causes and providing comprehensive support is important for recovery.
Myth 3: You can easily tell if someone has an eating disorder just by looking at them.
There is a misconception that individuals with eating disorders are always extremely thin or underweight. However, this is not true and can prevent early detection and support. Eating disorders come in different forms. It is crucial not to judge someone's struggles based on their appearance, as eating disorders are complex challenges.
Myth 4: Recovery from an eating disorder is quick and straightforward.
Recovery from an eating disorder is a long and challenging process that requires patience, understanding, support, and proper guidance. It involves addressing not only the physical aspects but also the underlying emotional and psychological issues. Each person's journey is unique, and the recovery timeline may vary. A good support system is helpful for sustained recovery.
🌱 Discussion Question: What are other myths or misconceptions you noticed? 🌱
Let’s share and break the stigma surrounding eating disorders so that we can foster empathy, understanding, and support. Together, we can make a difference and help individuals on their path to recovery.
@KristenHR
@ASilentObserver people don't believe me when I tell them my weight, especially at the times it drops. Yeah I look a haelthy weight, but tw) I wasn't exactly allowed human food growing up😞 so now I struggle with texture and taste of human food now. It's hard to eat, I try my best I just don't like food. I know it's a psychological thing, but one I can't seem to get past. Also I'm only half a person so I'm not gonna weigh as much as a full bodied person. 😞 I stay clear of theese things when I'm group chat rooms cause I always end up more upset with comments from others.
gives obs a giiiiannnttt tinnyy hugggg ❤ you know so much about so many mental health issues, I'm sure you must also struggle in some areas with mental health. Anyways Thank you for your posts, and inspiring comments to people ❤❤ thank you obs ❤❤ and I'm here if you ever need me. I have a good listening ear ❤
@Tinywhisper11 I am sorry to hear about the challenges you faced with food growing up and how it has impacted your relationship with food today. Restrictive eating can lead to difficult emotions around food and eating. What feelings come up for you when you think about trying new foods?
@ASilentObserver ❤❤ thankyou ❤
I don't like trying new food, I don't like eating at all. Eating is a must to stay healthy but it's something I have no force myself to do tw) everything seems to have the same taste as dog food, I can't get rid of that😥
@Tinywhisper11 do you have ARFID by chance? You sound like having possibly the same ed I do just a texture based subtype + no interest in food subtype. I'm not a doc, just curious if we share a condition by chance
@sadcat13 oh I'm not sure, doctors never have it a name. They said it's trauma related so my psycholgist is trying to help me get over it, but it's not really working yet. Is that like the condition you have?? And here have some icecream🍦🍦🍦🍦🍕🍦🍦🍦
@Tinywhisper11 yessss. And it can totally be trauma caused or caused by a negative experience you had in the past. Arfid is an avoidant restrictive eating disorder what means you have your certain safe foods, and are absolutely unable or unwilling to try mew ones due to your own specific reason based on your subtype. You have your certain safe foods, and that's it. Eating anything other then that would cause you gigantic distress and so you keep eating the same few things over and over again. You basically have a phobia from food in 2 of 3 subtypes. It can be categorised under three groups.
1. Sensory issues with food - you have problems with texture, taste, etc.
2. Fear of aversive consequences - that's mine (with a little bit of texture one). You avoid food out of fear of a negative consequence such as vomiting, having an allergic reaction, choking, etc. that is often based on a past negative experience, like my histamine intolerance rash and trip to the ER
3. Lack of interest in food - thisone is a little bit different subtype, but you have basically no interest in food or eating, or don't feel hunger cues.
I'm not a therapist so can't say if you have it or no, but maybe you can bring it up on your next session with her that you heard about it and see what she thinks.
@sadcat13 well I guess I get parts of all 3 of those, sensory, fear of consequences and lack of interest, but ok tw) my main issue (please don't think any less of me, this is very embarrassing but I had no choice) growing up in captivity, I had to eat dog food from a bowl on the floor, if I didn't or was sick, then I'd. Get beaten. I never ate human food for 18 years. I don't like it want to eat food not ever again. (Sorry) but yeah I'll bring it up with the doctor ❤❤ thankyou ❤
@Tinywhisper11 it's ok. You have trauma and I would never think of you less over something that wasn't even your fault. You got hurt by horrible people. And it is not your fault at all 🌻 hope the doc will be able to help you more with this 🌻
@sadcat13 ❤❤ thankyou ❤❤
@ASilentObserver I have been in a constant cycle of ups and downs in terms of eating a little and exercising, then overeating as reward/compensation and then exercising again to compensate again and so on and on. In a way, with the amount of exercise I am doing, its "ridiculous" that I am not extremely physical while at the same time its a an "archievement" that I am not very overweight with the amount I have been eating to compensate after cravings and pressure on "cheat" moments. So a cycle of a bottemless pit or something. Last week I finally admitted to it and started seeing a therapist. Scary stuff for me.
I find misconseptions about choice very interesting because that is usually the case with things like this: "just" don't do it or "just" do this. It is not that easy!
Another thing I have noticed about body image is that for me, as I am not very fat nor muscular, because of my obsession/cycle I am not eating well enough to make proper progres on the "gains" side, while I also eat too much during cravings or cheat moments to ruin my proges, and then have to exercise to not gain weight. So a stalemate with those 2 fairys talking on my shoulder and holding a gun to me both at the same time 😰 But because I am in that situation, I don't change, basically wasting the exercising I am doing to compensate for the eating. And others don't see my body change, not for the better, not for the worse, so they don't see the problem. Also since I am not overweight, when I get in social situations where eating is involved I can hear things like "you can take it" (in the sense of you can deal with it, take it, you're not overweight so it won't really hurt you), or "don't worry so much about it". This is because they don't see and it works actually into my problem and makes the struggle or trigger worse.
Your input about emotional aspects also appeal to me because often I ponder what could've been if I didn't overeat, how fit I can be. If I mess up I fall into a hole and mess up more, bad day, so might as well make it worse and try to have a better day tomorrow. Eat out of frustration for example and then exercise out of compulsion and forcing yourself. Finding reasons or ways to get the food you want and obsessing over it. Seeing all kinds of reasons as valid to reward yourself 😕
@Michelh1996 Thank you for sharing this with us. It sounds like you are experiencing a lot of inner conflict around your eating habits and body image. The cycle of restricting and bingeing must be exhausting. Recognizing these patterns is a significant step towards understanding your struggles. Admitting that you need help and seeking therapy is a brave step. Please know healing takes time and support. You're not alone in facing these difficulties.
@ASilentObserver
This is such an important initiative, and I'm really touched by the effort our Group Support is putting into Eating Disorder Awareness Week. It's heartwarming to see a focus on support, milestones, and small steps – things that often get overlooked but matter so much. I appreciate the open conversation about common myths surrounding eating disorders. It's crucial to debunk these misconceptions to create a more empathetic and supportive environment.
You hit the nail on the head with Myth 1 – it's so important for people to understand that eating disorders are not a choice but a complex struggle. And Myth 2, about it not being just about weight and appearance, is spot on. It's about tackling the root causes and providing comprehensive support. Myth 3 is a big one too – appearances can be deceiving, and assuming someone's health based on looks is not only inaccurate but can hinder early detection and support. And Myth 4, the idea that recovery is quick and straightforward, is a crucial point. It's a journey, and everyone's path is unique.
As for the discussion question, another myth I've noticed is that it's solely a "young person's problem." Eating disorders can affect individuals of any age, and breaking that misconception is vital too.
Thanks for fostering this space for understanding and empathy. Let's keep breaking down those stigmas and supporting each other on the journey to recovery. 🌸
@tranquilechoes Thank you for sharing your insights and reflections on this important topic, Echoes. You have a deep understanding of the impact of eating disorders and the importance of addressing common misconceptions. Your perspective is valuable and thoughtful.
@ASilentObserver
Thank you so much for this post. I don’t know if it qualifies as a myth or misconception but being underweight is not better than being overweight. Skinny ppl suffer too. From bone aches, arthritis, lack of sufficient nutrients, hearth issues, self esteem, anxiety etc. I hate it when ppl just assume that I should feel fine, being thin and all. Well…I wish I’d had more than skin and bones. Everything hangs on me, I don’t like going out because I feel extremely uncomfortable and self aware, like everyone is looking at me saying omg so skinny, looks weird, must be anorexic(am not). Same goes with taking care of me, I don’t go to do medical checkups because I’d need to undress with an audience. I trained my eyes not to look in the mirror lower than my face. Everything hurts more than an average person would feel. If you poke my arm, hurts like 💩, if I accidentally hit myself in furniture, hurts like 💩 and gets bruised. Everything changed and I wish I had normal weight and looking good and healthy without eating… No one gets it. 😰😞
@Fluffymonster101 I hear you. I am also quite skinny, maybe a little skinny fat at best, and not very tall. Easier to pick on right? Or to pick up or push around.
Also this is what I mean when you go into situations where food is involved and people say stuff like "it won't hurt you" when talking about food you can take and stuff. Like they mean if you eat it you can deal with it because you're not overweight or something. But they don't understand what that means to you.
@Michelh1996
because i don’t like food anymore, I can’t eat in public. While I was working in an office, lunch time with my colleagues was the worst. I would feel hungry same as everyone else just could not eat, could not think of what to eat or if I’d have food from home. But would find it difficult to eat. And also didn’t want anyone to know. I’d feel anxious what if I gag or something, I’d always stay behind because of never finishing and not wanting them to see me not eat. How could I explain to a sane person that I feel hungry all the time yet I never eat and just starve myself because of how overwhelming eating, having to think about eating or even making something to eat, is. An average person gets hungry, goes to the fridge, takes whatever they have and just eat. And move on with their life. I end up throwing away food I cooked, everything just spoils and I feel guilty for ppl who starve because they don’t have what to eat. It’s complicated inside my head. Weird world. Anyways this is off topic.
Thank you for supporting and I am sry you struggle too.
@Fluffymonster101 Thanks for sharing more about your story. I hope writing some of it out on this topic helps relieving some pressure on these situations. I do also find that other peoples influence, social situations can really affect eating problems.
For me for example, I also grew up in a household with only a very limited variety in food options, so a lot of things I just didn't know. And things you don't know, you don't eat. Which leads to the believe that you don't like it. And this image was always, and is still being maintained by my family. Like if there is food on the table, I can't avoid questions like "is there something for you that you like?" or "if you don't like any of this I can make or get this or that for you" or when they see me eat something "do you like that", next time, same question... basically if I pick option A, I have to justify not picking B, while others just go by and make choices based on what they like or don't like without being judged or questioned. So now that I am adult and can do whatever I want, I am also kind of discovering treats and stuff that I never had and in my mind I was always told I didn't like or wasn't go to like by others.
Are you able to deal with your eating problems on your own? By eating in private or something. Or can you elaborate for you what causes the trauma or struggles and keeps them going/growing? I am not good at helping to reflect, byt I am just trying to find some questions that might help think about it you see... thanks for the support and sharing as well, wishing you strength!
@Michelh1996
its ok, I get you. Am also trying to get answers that’s why I am here. I have issues eating no matter if I am home alone or with someone else. Only difference is I get less anxiety and pressure when I’m alone, cuz I don’t have to explain myself and there is no one to judge or misunderstand. Except for my partner, no one else knows the reality of my situation. So it makes it even harder to share a meal with someone. I usually avoid it and when I can’t I just say I already ate, not hungry etc. But am self isolating so it’s rarely that i have to share eating with others than my partner. Triggers and trauma? I could not answer in just one post. It’s way more complex. And also find it difficult to express. But to be honest, other than because of depression, I didn’t come up with much more. I do have periods when I eat ok and gain back some weight but it doesn’t last and the circle starts all over. What I can say for sure is that when I am in a good place with my mind, eating is easier and less of a burden. But this happens less and less as I feel I am going deeper and my general state is just constantly degrading
Not sure if it helps you at all, but like I said, is difficult to express. Hope it gives at least an insight of some sort.
@Michelh1996 if you wish to explore more or share, we can open a new thread on forum. I wouldn’t wanna spam this one lol.
@Fluffymonster101 I recognize the difficulties to talk about it, and to reflect on reasons. I also feel like there are many underlying reasons why the situation has grown into what it is today. In my family there is not really anyone to talk to about this, mental issues and deep conversations are like a taboo. But after a bad episode last week I found the courage to call a therapist, and I have to say, taking that step made me really happy and relieved. But of course, the idea talking to them and elaborating gives a lot of anxiety and scares me very much. I am just hoping to learn something to deal with the bad moments that I can use or share, or learn and explore something about the reasons and stuff.
@Fluffymonster101 I also understand your struggles with body image. When I shower, I don't look down. Shirtless in a mirror, also don't look down. I hold in the little bit of skinny fat I have when I set down, being tense all the time. And do bounce from wanting to be fitter/healthier to feeling the need to put on weight. Some of these things down to my own thoughts, some down to what people do or say and how this influences me and how I deal with it later on...
@Fluffymonster101 It sounds like being underweight has been difficult for you. You are right that many challenges come with this experience. It can be frustrating when people assume things about you based on your weight. Understandably, you might feel self-conscious about going out or getting medical care. It is important to remember that you deserve to receive proper medical attention and support, regardless of your weight. Have you talked to anyone about how these challenges are affecting you?
@ASilentObserver
you are right. But little harder to apply it. Only my partner knows about this. But they aren’t equipped to heal and all they can do is support, love, care and worry. They let me postpone it for a while, then takes initiative, but never force me into anything and most times I say yes, but then change my mind. They also suggested to talk to a specialist but they know I can’t so they’re just being there doing what they can.
Thank you. You’re kind and thoughtful. Very helpful. I appreciate
@Fluffymonster101 It sounds like you have a good support system with your partner. It makes sense that talking about difficult feelings can be hard, and it's okay if you need time to process before opening up further. We are all here with you to listen to and to support Fluffy