It is no secret that our society has a severe problem with bullying. Bullying is harming people from school playgrounds to social media comment sections. The negative impact of bullying on a person’s mental health has a distinct correlation to the development and persistence of eating disorders.
By: Regina Colie
School can be a turbulent and scary time for young people as they develop their sense of identity and grapple with the challenges of puberty. Finding their place amongst peers, shifting friend groups, and the pressure of popularity makes it increasingly stressful. Some individuals are deemed outsiders because of society’s arbitrary standards of worth. And as such, they become the targets of bullying and exclusion. No one should have to experience such things. Unfortunately, however, people can be cruel, and bullying can cause immense damage to a person’s emotional and mental health.
Bullying And Eating Disorders
Body changes can be distressing on their own, but with the added pressure of social approval and acceptance, people can develop eating disorder behaviors. While eating disorders are not exclusively caused by bullying, the pressure to fit in or adhere to impossible beauty standards is exacerbated by the evaluation and judgment of others. This alienation or focus on a person’s flaws can harm their fragile self-esteem.
Social media has also played a significant role in how people connect, but there is a dark side. Societal expectations of what bodies ‘should’ look like have taken on a whole new meaning with the highlight reels of social media. Endless scrolling and self-comparison, along with the ability to comment, like, and even ‘troll’ other people’s content, make for an often toxic social atmosphere. This can heighten negative body image, poor mental health, and eating disorder behaviors.
How Can I Help?
First and foremost, if you are struggling, you are not alone. Both eating disorders and bullying can make you feel isolated and unworthy. But you deserve better, and you can find peace and happiness. You are enough as you are. There are people you can talk to, available resources, and organizations that can support you.
If you know someone being bullied or struggling with an eating disorder, be present with them. Support them without judgment, and offer to be a shoulder for them to lean on. Bullying and eating disorders thrive on silence and isolation, so speaking up and spreading awareness is essential. Do your best to create a community where everyone is safe, welcomed, and appreciated for who they are.
At BALANCE eating disorder treatment center™, our compassionate, highly skilled team of clinicians is trained in diagnosing and treating the spectrum of eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, compulsive overeating, and other disordered eating and body image issues.
October is Bullying Awareness Month. The BALANCE team is sending you compassion for any judgment you have faced at the hands of a bully. Let us help begin your journey to recovery and heal your body image. We will guide you in developing body image resilience and the skills to silence the bullying voice of your eating disorder for a lasting recovery. Sign up for our FREE Virtual Support Group on Friday, October 21st, at 12 PM EST here. See what treatment at BALANCE might look like for you!
BALANCE also now offers exclusive insurance trials in its virtual track. With our insurance trials, eligible participants get access to treatment right away, comprehensive payment options, and our team’s support in navigating your coverage. Your insurance could cover up to 80% of your allowed amount up front, reducing the cost of your treatment, and allowing you to pay the remaining balance through a payment plan, after an initial deposit. Reach out here to see if you qualify.
This post was written by BALANCE Blog Contributor, Regina Colie (she/her).
Regina Colie is currently pursuing her Masters in General Psychology at The New School For Social Research. She is interested in working with women who have eating disorders and postpartum depression. Upon her graduation from Marymount Manhattan College, she had the opportunity to be published in Dr. Nava Silton’s book, The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Child, Adolescent, and Adult Development. Her previous work has been featured in Project HEAL, BALANCE, Olive Branch Nutrition, and Nourishing NY.
References
Bullying Linked to Eating Disorders. (2020, February 28). Verywell Family. Retrieved April 18, 2022, from https://www.verywellfamily.com/bullying-linked-to-eating-disorders-460616
James, S. D. (2009, August 20). Bullies Drive Girl to Anorexia, Says Lawsuit. ABC News. Retrieved April 18, 2022, from https://abcnews.go.com/Health/WellnessNews/story?id=8367578
