We live in a world that teaches us from a young age that we cannot trust our bodies. Society tells you that your body needs to be controlled, changed, or manipulated to be “good enough.” Living with these pressures can be very difficult. You are not alone if you have tried to change your body to reflect these unattainable standards; this way of operating has failed you, and you have not failed to adhere.
Ramadan is a period of religious observation from March 22nd to April 20th, 2023. The Muslim community observes Ramadan as a time for fasting, prayers, and reflection. However, Ramadan can be a triggering time for individuals with an eating disorder.
If you or someone you love struggles with food and body distress, you are not alone. Unfortunately, over 30 million Americans struggle with eating disorders. When we talk about healing, we often talk about how important recovery is, what it involves, and how you can get there. But where is there? Recovery can feel like a leap of faith into the unknown, so here are four tangible reasons to heal your relationship with food.
Each year, the National Sleep Foundation dedicates one week to spreading awareness about the importance of getting enough sleep each night. From March 12-18, they'll continue reinforcing how sleep benefits an individual's well-being. Interestingly, there has also been some research to suggest a possible link between eating disorders and sleep problems.
If someone mentions eating disorders, your brain might automatically envision a white, thin woman with thinning hair, brittle nails, and a pale complexion. Not only has this been the stereotype of what having an eating disorder looks like, but it also acts as the stereotype for anorexia nervosa (AN). Yet, AN affects people from all walks of life. It can present differently across all different bodies, and harmful stereotypes such as these can interfere with the diagnosis of AN.
The spring begins as the snow melts, and the days become warmer and longer. The flowers and trees bloom, winter coats return to closets, and spring break brings college students to beautiful locations. However, springtime may cause negative thoughts about one's body image for those with an eating disorder.
Instead of dedicating energy to satisfying your eating disorder, redirect it towards showing yourself kindness and compassion. Loving yourself can seem like a distant destination, but it is a feasible goal.
Dating can be difficult for anyone. However, some things may be uniquely challenging in dating for those in eating disorder recovery. Whether you are on a first date or the twentieth, it is essential to take steps to stay recovery-focused when connecting with a partner.
The common stereotype that eating disorders exist only among thin, white young females is false. Anyone can experience disordered eating and eating disorders, no matter their size, race, age, or gender. Anyone struggling with eating disorders is just as deserving of proper diagnosis, care, and recovery.
Eating disorders can make you feel isolated in countless different ways. Often overlooked is the feeling of falling behind in life due to your struggles with mental health. You are not alone in this. When you feel far behind those around you, remember that you cannot live your life in constant comparison to others.
You may know that diet culture is damaging, but what exactly makes it so harmful? Diet culture can affect mental health in many ways, even for those who do not have eating disorders. Because of exposure to diet culture our entire lives, it can be challenging to unlearn these mindsets, especially if one is not aware of how diet culture affects them.
