Eating disorders are one of the most common medical conditions in the world today. As of 2011, recent studies estimate that around 30 million Americans have some kind of eating disorder, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and binge eating disorder.
Because there’s no better way to learn about something than to listen to the people who have faced that situation themselves, here’s what people recovering from eating disorders have to say.
Other people’s comments can be hurtful, even if they are trying to be nice.
From comments on the Mighty’s article, “40 Things People With Eating Disorders Wish Others Understood”
Eating disorders are controlling.
From Quora’s “How can I help someone with an eating disorder?”
Eating disorders are exhausting.
From comments on the Mighty’s article, “40 Things People With Eating Disorders Wish Others Understood”
Eating disorders make you feel guilty.
From Quora’s “What is it like to recover from an eating disorder?”
Eating disorders are deeply isolating.
From Quora’s “How do eating disorders affect relationships?”
Eating disorders are not all the same.
From comments on the Mighty’s article, “40 Things People With Eating Disorders Wish Others Understood”
Eating disorders can have both psychological and physical causes.
From comments on the Mighty’s article, “40 Things People With Eating Disorders Wish Others Understood”
Dietary advice does not help.
From comments on the Mighty’s article, “40 Things People With Eating Disorders Wish Others Understood”
Recovery is physically and mentally painful.
From Quora’s “What is it like to recover from an eating disorder?”
Recovery depends not just on therapy, but on a strong support network.
From Quora’s “How did you begin to overcome your eating disorder?”
Recovery is a long, ongoing process.
From Quora’s “What is it like to recover from an eating disorder?”
But recovery is worth it.
From Quora’s “What is it like to recover from an eating disorder?”
Featured photo credit: Jordan Sanchez via unsplash.com
