Articles

One of the most uncomfortable parts of an eating disorder is coming to terms with it. Everyone has a different experience with vulnerabilty and also with their eating disorder itself, but a common experience for many people with eating disorders is the discomfort of being vulnerable surrounding the eating disorder, making it difficult to discuss this matter with doctors, specialists, or even family members and friends. Unfortuantely, in order to get help you must reach out fo

When I started out to write a post about eating disorders in males, the first thing I looked up was the prevalence. And already, I was met with the first misconception—while I knew it was higher than most assume, I thought it would be around ten percent. I was surprised to see that the reality is that about a third of people with eating disorders are male. In fact, ARFID is more likely to occur in males and binge eating disorder is almost equally likely to occur in males or f

One of the most confusing parts of recovering from an eating disorder or chronic body dysmorphia is realizing this: your body can change faster than your brain can catch up. Not just emotionally, but also perceptually. Many people in recovery describe a strange experience where they know something has shifted—medically, nutritionally, or behaviorally—but their reflection, sense of size, or internal “map” of their body hasn’t updated. This isn’t denial, vanity, or failure; ins

I didn’t think I had an eating disorder. For a while, I was hyper-fixed on them, because I knew there was something there that resonated with me. I would read about them and compare—anorexia? Sometimes, but I was as likely to binge as starve. So bulimia? But I didn’t throw up, couldn’t imagine it. And definitely not binge eating disorder, since the binges weren’t as significant as I would read and would be followed by periods of restriction. While in graduate school, I was of

If you search for "eating disorder" in a stock photo library, you will likely see the same thing over and over: a young, skeletal woman looking sadly into a mirror. While this represents some people's reality, it has created a dangerous myth: the idea that you have to look "sick enough" to have a problem. The Diversity of Struggle The truth is that eating disorders are diverse. They do not have a "look," a "size," or a "weight." Body Size:  Most people struggling with an eati

Every time I scroll through social media, I notice a familiar pattern: influencers presenting flawless, filtered versions of themselves. These images often look so perfect that they create an invisible standard, making viewers feel like they don’t measure up. This epidemic of filters is more than just a trend—it’s shaping how we see ourselves and others in ways that can be harmful. How Filters Shape Our Perception Filters are designed to enhance photos by smoothing skin, brig

Eating disorders are often misunderstood, and the stereotypes surrounding them do more harm than good. Many people believe eating disorders only affect young women who are obsessed with thinness. This narrow view ignores the reality that eating disorders impact people of all genders, ages, and backgrounds. These stereotypes create barriers to seeking help and contribute to stigma. I want to challenge these misconceptions and shed light on the truth behind eating disorders. Ea

Pica is a condition that involves eating items that are not typically considered food. This behavior can be puzzling and concerning for many people, especially when it affects children or adults. Understanding pica is important because it can lead to health risks and may signal underlying issues that need attention. This article explores what pica is, its causes, symptoms, potential dangers, and ways to manage or treat the condition. What Is Pica? Pica is an eating disorder c

Exercise is widely praised for its benefits to physical and mental health. Yet, when does a healthy habit turn into a harmful compulsion? Exercise addiction, also known as compulsive exercise, is a condition where individuals feel an uncontrollable urge to work out, often at the expense of their well-being. Understanding this condition is crucial for anyone who values fitness but wants to avoid its darker side. What Is Exercise Addiction? Exercise addiction involves an obsess

Rumination disorder is a condition that often goes unnoticed but can have significant effects on a person's health and well-being. It involves the repeated regurgitation of food, which may be re-chewed, re-swallowed, or spit out. This behavior is not due to a medical problem like acid reflux but is a distinct disorder that requires attention and care. What Is Rumination Disorder? Rumination disorder is characterized by the effortless regurgitation of recently eaten food. Unli

Night Eating Syndrome (NES) is a lesser-known eating disorder that affects many people worldwide. It involves a pattern of eating that disrupts normal sleep and eating habits, often leading to distress and health issues. Understanding NES can help those affected recognize the signs and seek appropriate support. What Is Night Eating Syndrome? NES is characterized by recurrent episodes of eating during the night, typically after the evening meal or waking up from sleep to eat.

Food has always been a source of energy, comfort, and something that brings us together, but what if it becomes more than that to us? Many people suffer from eating disorders without even realizing it. An eating disorder is any unhealthy relationship with food, such as loss of appetite, excessive exercise to the point of exhaustion, or eating when experiencing negative emotions without coping with them properly. There are many more symptoms correlated with experiencing an eat

Social Media is a hub of connections that allows you to share with others what is going on in your life. Most everyone is guilty of watching a juicy story time every once in a while on TikTok. As humans, we strive to connect with other people as well as share our own experiences and stories. Unfortunately, not all experiences are good ones.  Over the years, many influencers and regular individuals have had the confidence to speak out about their experiences with eating disord

In the quiet corners of our minds, we often wrestle with two distinct versions of ourselves: the private self, hidden away from the world, and the public self, polished and presented to others. For those grappling with eating disorders and body dysmorphia, this internal conflict can feel like an endless tug-of-war, with high stakes and profound consequences. The private self is a sanctuary of vulnerability, where insecurities fester and fears take root. Here, whispers of inad

In recent years, the rise of social media has dramatically changed how young people view themselves and their bodies. Platforms like...

Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that can have devastating effects on individuals and their loved ones. They are...