Eating Disorder Awareness Week is an annual campaign to educate the public about the realities of eating disorders and to provide hope and visibility to individuals and loved ones impacted by them. As a sport psychologist specializing in eating disorder treatment, I see this week as a crucial opportunity for education, advocacy, and most importantly, support.
As an eating disorder therapist, I have the privilege of witnessing the bravery and vulnerability of those in recovery. My clients confront deeply uncomfortable feelings, unlearn harmful messaging from childhood, and make incredibly difficult behavioral changes. Think of a New Year's resolution you once set, or something you gave up for Lent. How hard was that? Did you stick with it? Making change is hard, and these resilient individuals are making changes that are, at times, life or death. They do not get the option to just try again next year.
So a huge shout-out to the supporters walking this journey with them. Doing something hard and scary becomes much more manageable with the right support, so thank you for offering your unwavering love. Your dedication makes a real difference.
Just as good support helps, a lack of support, opposition, or criticism can seriously hinder and damage someone's recovery. Whether you are a parent, spouse, partner, sibling, friend, teacher, or coach, your words matter. My client gets one hour with me each week, and maybe another hour with a dietitian. That leaves the rest of the week with you, the support system. Someone can do all the hard work in therapy, but if they return to an unsupportive environment, progress stalls or slows disproportionately to their effort. Picture climbing a mountain without the right gear and with an added weighted backpack.
If you find yourself being part of an unsupportive environment, be gentle with yourself. That often stems from a lack of education, from stigma, or from personal beliefs about food and weight. The good news is that regardless of the reason, there are practical ways to learn, grow, and hold yourself accountable. I have done it myself.
Educate yourself. Learn about the different types of eating disorders, their warning signs, and the resources available. Understanding the complexity of these illnesses is the first step toward meaningful support. The NEDA website and F.E.A.S.T. are excellent starting points, and many local treatment centers offer classes and support groups for loved ones.
Challenge stigma. Eating disorders are not a choice or a lifestyle. They are serious mental health conditions that require professional help. It is not helpful to tell someone in recovery to just eat a cheeseburger, or to just go on a diet when they are struggling with food. Challenge your own misconceptions and promote respectful language.
Offer support. If you know someone who might be struggling, reach out. Let them know you care. And I cannot stress this enough: listen to them, non-judgmentally and with an open mind, so you can support them the way they need rather than the way you assume they need. If it is appropriate and welcomed by them and their treatment team, consider joining a session to learn how to help specifically.
Practice self-care. Supporting someone with an eating disorder is emotionally demanding. Take care of yourself and seek support if you need it. Remind yourself that this learning process takes time, so do not get frustrated if you do not know everything right away. Take it step by step.
Let us move beyond awareness and into action. Let us offer hope where there is despair. Because recovery is possible, and no one should have to face it alone.