This is my first year participating in World Eating Disorders Action Day on June 2nd, a movement aimed at spreading awareness of eating disorders as genetically linked, treatable illnesses that can affect anyone. Uniting activists across the globe, our goal is to increase access to accurate information, eradicate myths and collectively advocate for resources and policy change.
This year’s theme is a big one: #Equity4EatingDisorders. Rather than just sharing my story and experience, I wanted to hear from other people who had been indirectly or directly affected by eating disorders. So, I created a survey (fun!) and reached out to a diverse group of friends, family and acquaintances.
It felt good to connect with others over a shared mental health concern. I’ve carried enough shame alone to know that silence only feeds eating disorders, giving them life. Healing from them requires strength and breaking down silos. That’s why I’m so grateful to the individuals who shared their thoughts — here’s what they had to say.
Survey summary: I asked 20+ people their thoughts on eating disorders
What they wish more people knew about eating disorders:
- They affect men and boys too, and people of all ages, genders and backgrounds. It is not just thin, white women who suffer.
- They are serious illnesses that are more common that you think. You probably know someone who has an eating disorder, even if they haven’t told you about it.
- You can’t tell if someone has an eating disorder by judging their body. It is much more of a mental illness than a physical one.
- My take: I wish everyone knew that eating disorders are not a choice. The internal pain they inflict on someone is not something I would wish on my enemy.
What they want to understand better themselves:
- How to support someone with an eating disorder without triggering them
- The science and social causes of an eating disorder (i.e. trauma, family history, social media)
- How to heal and be aware of warning signs before they become larger issues
- My take: I want to better understand the social determinants of health on eating disorder care. It seems overlooked when we talk about eating disorders.
How they think we can create more equity for eating disorders:
- We urgently need more affordable, accessible care that is covered by OHIP. People can be on waitlists for months, even though their illness is life-threatening.
- More proactive outreach, especially programs that are culturally competent and include men. Some people may not even be aware they or a loved one has an eating disorder.
- We need more publicized conversations to educate others, whether in media or in our everyday lives. It’s important that people share their personal experiences to help reduce stigma and show that recovery is possible.
- My take: If the general public and health care providers took eating disorders more seriously and realized the detrimental impacts of fatphobia and diet culture, EDs could be treated with the urgent care they deserve.
Wondering what you can do to keep the momentum of World Eating Disorders Action Day going past June 2nd?
- Read about the 9 truths about eating disorders (and watch the video below!) which counteract common myths
- Join me and take the pledge to break down eating disorder stigma
- Talk about eating disorders with family, friends and colleagues
- Learn to recognize the signs of disordered eating
- Educate yourself on diet culture and ways you may be unconsciously promoting it
- Refrain from ever making comments on someone’s body or weight
- Keep reading or sharing my blog posts and consider signing up for the newsletter
In the deepest, darkest days of my eating disorder — when I was mentally and physically exhausted from the never-ending thoughts and fears surrounding food — I never could have imagined myself as an eating disorder recovery advocate. I’m so proud to finally participate in World Eating Disorders Action Day! Collectively, I’m optimistic that we can all work together to bring #Equity4EatingDisorders. ❤️
Thank you for this. As someone who has never really struggled with eating disorders but knows a few people who have, this was great information and gives me a better understanding.
What you are doing is absolutely amazing!
I’m happy you found my writing helpful, Caitlin! My goal has always been to educate and give others a glimpse into what it’s like. It saddens me that so many people have been affected by eating disorders, but the more we know about the illness, the better we can fight it.