“Nobody can love you until you love yourself.” That phrase went viral on the Internet in the early 2010s, and it plagues Pinterest boards and mental health blogs to this day.  Disguised as a motivational quote to inspire self-love for those who lack it, this rhetoric often has the opposite effect, especially for those struggling with mental health. Promoting such an idea can be dangerous and detrimental in eating disorder recovery.

People often use the terms “eating disorders” and “disordered eating” interchangeably, but the two have significant differences. The fad wellness and starvation diets, weight loss programs, and fasting regimes that people participate in today make it difficult to differentiate these disordered eating patterns from eating disorders.

Your eating disorder may be a source of stress in your life. Be mindful of your response to stress, as long-term stress can impact your physical and mental health.

Stress is a natural response to the challenges of everyday life. Work-related pressure, personal relationships, financial issues, and other factors can cause it. However, if you or someone you love struggles with an eating disorder, stress can feel insurmountable, especially when pursuing recovery.

Families can play a crucial role in supporting recovery. While eating disorders are by no means a direct reflection of parents’ or siblings’ approach to food, it is necessary to be self-aware about food or movement.

You may believe you can manage your recovery and healing from your eating disorder alone, but getting support is essential. It is human nature to both need and seek support, comfort, and accompaniment from loved ones, peers, and other beings. Finding a stable support system can be challenging. However, it is worth pursuing because it is crucial for a successful recovery.

It can be difficult for many people in eating disorder recovery to enjoy the summertime without stressing over their body image. The upcoming warm weather can bring anxiety. So, as you prepare for summer, do not let your eating disorder or negative body image hold you back.

Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that can manifest in many ways, and everyone’s experience with them is unique. Talking about our experiences can help reduce mental health stigma and create more opportunities for people to seek support.

Join BALANCE Content Creator and Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor Alexandra Carter (she/her) on Friday, April 28th at 12 PM EDT for our webinar, Dress for Recovery: What to Wear to Honor Body Acceptance. Get the support and tips you need to begin feeling comfortable in your body as you dress for recovery. DATE: Friday, April 28th, 2023 12:00 PM- 1:00 pm EST If you are struggling with an eating disorder or body distress, your body can feel like the enemy.  One of the most challenging aspects of body distress is navigating body changes, especially when it comes to the