Non-Food Related Date Ideas
Food can often be an easy excuse to socialize or go out on a date. However, a meal out can bring incredible stress and discomfort for those struggling with an eating disorder. Being able to suggest other activities when making plans not only limits the discomfort for the person struggling but also allows you both to share nuanced experiences.
Signs a Loved One May Be Struggling with an Eating Disorder
Eating disorders can look different across individuals and can look different within diagnoses. And while the stereotypical eating disorder patient is portrayed as incredibly thin, avoiding food, and over-exercising, eating disorders do not discriminate. They can take many forms. If you think a loved one is struggling, consider the signs below before considering how you might approach them or look to support them.
The Prevalence of Eating Disorders in the Performing Arts
Post-pandemic, many artists are coming forth about their body image struggles and drive for perfection. In May 2021, The New York Times published an article covering Broadway’s reopening in NYC after the COVID-19 pandemic, which initially included the comment, “Some performers have gained weight.” This article induced intense social media backlash in reaction to the fat-phobic nature of the text and has since been changed to “some performers need to recondition their bodies or their voices.” In response, many performers opened up about their struggles with body image in the toxic arts and entertainment industry.
Common Myths and Stereotypes of Eating Disorders
More often than not, feelings of not being ‘sick enough’ or the fear of not fitting specific criteria keep people from believing they are worthy of eating disorder recovery. It is essential to acknowledge that living in a society where diets and disordered eating behaviors are praised makes it incredibly difficult to find healing with food, movement, mind, and body.
Facing Your Fear Foods: What They Are and How to Overcome Them
Although Halloween is the season of spooks and scares, it’s necessary to talk about a real fear that many people with eating disorders grapple with every day: the fear of certain foods, also known as fear foods. These perceived ‘off-limits’ foods can haunt those struggling, making recovery much harder. So, it’s time to shed some light on fear foods and share advice on overcoming them.
The Relationship Between Eating Disorders and OCD
The relationship between eating disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder has been a topic of speculation within psychology for nearly a century. Though the two types of disorders may not seem entirely alike, the list of similar behaviors, thought processes, and personality traits that individuals with eating disorders and OCD possess are prolific.
10 Signs a Friend May Be Struggling With an Eating Disorder
Eating disorders and mental health issues can be insidious. These struggles and shame can cause people to pull away or hide their suffering. If you notice significant changes in weight, mood, and food habits in your friend or loved one, they may be struggling with disordered eating. However, some signs may be harder to recognize. Above all, it is essential to encourage anyone you think may be struggling to get adequate support.
Unhelpful Thinking and How to Retrain your Brain
The way you think directly influences the way you feel. Negative feelings often come from unhelpful thoughts that seem to happen without your awareness. This pattern of thinking is called “unhelpful thinking.” When it becomes the default thinking style, it can cause significant emotional distress. Many people who struggle with eating disorders grapple with unhelpful thinking, which is why it is crucial to understand what it is and how to change it.
Navigating Eating Disorders & Body Image During Outdoor Fall Activities
Outdoor events and activities such as sporting events and apple picking are a fun part of the fall season. However, they can be tricky and challenging to engage in when struggling with an eating disorder. This season is notorious for being hard to navigate due to the emphasis on body image and eating. For these reasons, discussing ways of preventing society and diet culture from getting in the way of eating disorder recovery and body image healing is helpful.
Starting a New School Year in Eating Disorder Recovery
As the summer months come to an end, the stress of another school year arises. The pressure of grades, assignments, exams, and deadlines start, along with feelings of anxiety, perfection, and uncertainty. The need for control and stability arises and with those needs, eating disorder thoughts and behaviors often increase. Hence, it is important to acknowledge that the coming school year may trigger or worsen disorder thoughts and behaviors. However, it is more important to discuss some skills that will help you to maintain recovery and navigate these stressors.