Eating Disorders

Reducing Stigma: Let’s Talk About It

The impact of eating disorders on an individual level is not only physically and psychologically damaging, but it has become socially stigmatized and kept under the radar in ways that I hope to bring to light. Isolation and shame are significant factors that serve as a breeding ground for this all too common mental illness, and it is the goal of The Nurtured Collective to bring awareness to the effects of eating disorders. This can be done by offering empathetic support and realistic strategies to destigmatize and help those who are struggling. Eating disorders affect over 10 million women on a daily basis, with four out of ten individuals having either experienced an eating disorder or know someone who has [1].

The urgency of creating an awareness around eating disorders is one of great importance, and this is ultimately due to the fact that eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of all mental health disorders. Research shows that 5 – 10% of anorexics die within 10 years after contracting the disease; 18-20% of anorexics will be dead after 20 years and only 30 – 40% ever fully recover [2]. There are different types of eating disorders, and below are the ones currently recognized by the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual):

Types of Eating Disorders with Signs and Symptoms

Anorexia Nervosa

•   Intense fear of weight gain

• Food restriction

• Strong desire to be thin

• Fatigue

• Insomnia

• Depression and anxiety

• Amenorrhea (lack of menstrual cycle)

• Dehydration

• Thin/brittle hair and nails

• Dizziness and fainting

• Apathy and social withdrawal

Bulimia Nervosa

• Binge eating

• Episodes of purging (self-induced vomiting or excessive exercise

• Long-term fear of gaining weight

• Strong negative self-image

• Callouses on the back of hands

• Stained teeth from vomiting

• Social withdrawal

• Depression and anxiety

• Pre-occupation with weight and body

• Overuse of laxatives or diuretics

Binge Eating Disorder

• Eating an unusually large amount of food in a short period of time

• Feeling as though you are out of control

• Eating rapidly even though you are full or not hungry

• Feeling ashamed or disgusted with yourself afterwards

• Eating alone or secretly

• Restricting food after a binge

• Constantly dieting with little to no weight loss

• Difficulty regulating emotions

• Depression and anxiety

• Social withdrawal

Recognizing the signs of an eating disorder could save lives, and it is through spreading awareness and providing guidance and allyship that we can reduce the surrounding stigma and shame.

Please access the “Resource” section for more information on getting support.

Citations

[1] Global Market Insite Study @ NEDA, 2005

[2] National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders. Statistics and Research on Eating Disorders. https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/statistics-research-eating-disorders

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