I Asked Someone Living With An Eating Disorder What They Want People To Know...

It is Eating Disorder Awareness week. Anxiety and Eating Disorders (ED's) often go hand in hand. It is important that both get treated with both therapy and medication. Due to the wait for ED services, many people start working on their anxiety first which is often where I come in.

People living with mental illness often feel powerless. Thus, the purpose of this blog is to give voice to someone living with an ED.

I asked someone with an ED what do you want people to know about ED's and they shared the following statements:

1) It's not about the food.

2) You feel you are being constantly surveyed when you are eating.

3) It doesn't matter what your weight is. There are lots of people who aren't skinny with an Eating Disorder.

4) Recovery is long.

5) Your life is ruled by fear and compulsion.

6) It's not helpful when people say "when you hurt yourself it hurts me" as it makes you feel worse.

7) You should not comment on people's bodies even in a positive way. It reminds us that we are constantly under surveillance from other people.

8) There are many different types of ED's, not just anorexia and bulimia (see the link below).

9) When you have an ED you are dysmorphic, so you can't see yourself and others properly.

10) It's not about wanting to be skinny even though that's how it exhibits.

11) It's an addiction, but unlike other addictions, you can't avoid food so it is very difficult to overcome. - like an alcoholic having to drink a few rules at a time.

12) So much of socializing revolves around food and for a lot of people that is hard. So then people start to avoid hanging out with their friends as it's hard to interface with food.

I do not know about you but I found this very powerful to hear. Particularly the sections that are in bold. Yet, as this blog is not about my voice I will leave it here. Please note this is one person's voice and not representative of all people's experiences. Below are some resources for you. If you are struggling with an ED please do visit your GP.

If you want to book an appointment for psychology contact me by clicking here!

Beat Eating Disorders: https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/get-information-and-support/about-eating-disorders/types/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA6fafBhC1ARIsAIJjL8mKdvflsiOMXU3dYqKELAhmr2hxSeDPE_cc_opie7REmR3Tf4uhEdUaAvHaEALw_wcB

NHS Eating Disorders: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/behaviours/eating-disorders/overview/