Tag: Eating Disorder: Binge-eating, Weight Loss

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Do I Have Body Dysmorphia? 13 Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

It’s normal to have days when we feel uncomfortable in our own skin. But for some, those feelings go far beyond everyday insecurity. If you find yourself obsessing over perceived flaws in your appearance—flaws that others may not even notice—you might be wondering if it’s something more serious.

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition that affects the way people see and think about their bodies, often causing them significant distress and interfering with their daily life. In this article, we’ll explore what body dysmorphia really is, how to recognize the signs, and when it’s time to seek support.

What Is Body Dysmorphia?

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)1 is a mental health condition “where a person experiences a preoccupation with a perceived defect or flaw in one’s physical appearance when, in fact, they appear normal.”

People with BDD tend to fixate on specific body parts or features, most commonly the skin, nose, hair, or body shape. This obsessive focus often leads to repeated behaviors such as mirror checking, grooming, or comparing themselves to others in an attempt to “fix” or hide the flaw. It can also cause the person a lot of stress.

What sets BDD apart from general body dissatisfaction is the intensity and persistence of these thoughts. The distress caused by the perceived imperfection can interfere with your daily life, relationships, and emotional well-being.

BDD isn’t just about wanting to look better or not being happy with a part of your body. It’s about feeling unable to stop thinking about the flaw, no matter how many times others reassure you or how much effort you put into changing it.

Mental health awareness illustration featuring a person looking at their distorted reflection in a mirror, accompanied by quote: You can't fix a distorted mirror by changing your body. You have to heal the lens you're looking through.

Signs and Symptoms of BDD

Many people struggle for years before realizing their intense appearance concerns have a name—recognizing these signs of BDD2 can be validating and the first step toward getting help: 

1. Excessive Worry About a Specific Part of the Body

People with BDD experience intense, uncontrollable worry about a particular body part. They feel unable to calm or manage these concerns, no matter how hard they try.

2. Hiding or Concealing Perceived Flaws

People with BDD go to great lengths to conceal the area they’re focused on. They use hats, scarves, makeup, strategic clothing, or certain hairstyles to mask or distract from the perceived imperfection.

3. Dismissing Compliments or Reassurances

It feels impossible to believe when loved ones say you look fine or beautiful. People with BDD often dismiss positive feedback, convinced that others are just being kind or dishonest.

Body dysmorphia vs insecurity comparison infographic explaining self-image disorders, frequency patterns, and reassurance responses for mental health awareness

4. Avoiding Social Situations

Intense self-consciousness or shame leads to skipping school, work, dates, or social events. The fear of being seen or judged becomes overwhelming and interferes with normal activities.

5. Feeling Distress Over Photos

Many people with BDD feel extreme anxiety or panic at the thought of having their picture taken. They fear that images will highlight or expose their perceived flaw to others.

6. Engaging in Repetitive Appearance-Related Behaviors

These behaviors include frequently checking mirrors or avoiding them entirely, skin picking, excessive grooming, or constantly trying to “fix” the perceived flaw. People may spend hours using makeup, adjusting clothing, or even seeking cosmetic procedures.

7. Seeking Constant Reassurance

People with BDD repeatedly ask friends, family, or even strangers for validation about their appearance. They hope to feel better, though any relief is typically short-lived and the need for reassurance returns quickly.

8. Constantly Comparing Yourself to Others

People with BDD obsessively compare their appearance to others on social media or in real life. These comparisons often leave them feeling inferior or deeply flawed, reinforcing their negative self-perception.

9. Feeling Defined by the Perceived Flaw

It’s common for someone with BDD to believe that their “flaw” makes them unlovable, broken, or even repulsive. This belief persists despite reassurances from others who don’t see the same imperfection.

Mental health infographic displaying signs of body dysmorphia including fixation on flaws, mirror checking, hiding with clothes, rejecting compliments, avoiding photos, constant comparison, repetitive grooming, and feeling ashamed

10. Overexercising or Overtraining

Some people have muscle dysmorphia,3 which involves a preoccupation with the idea that their body build is too small or insufficiently muscular. This may lead to excessive exercise, steroid use, or unhealthy supplement usage in an attempt to control their body’s appearance.

11. Seeking Multiple Healthcare Providers

People with BDD visit numerous dermatologists, cosmetic surgeons, or other specialists in search of a “fix” for their perceived flaw. They continue this search even after being told repeatedly that nothing is wrong.

12. Undergoing Unnecessary Cosmetic Procedures

Some people pursue plastic surgery or aesthetic treatments that aren’t medically needed. These procedures rarely provide lasting relief and may worsen distress when the results don’t “solve” the internal struggle, often causing the obsession to shift to different body parts.

13. Having Thoughts of Self-Harm or Suicide

In severe cases, the emotional pain becomes overwhelming and leads to feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness. Some people may experience thoughts of self-harm or suicide as a way to escape the distress caused by their body image concerns.

Thoughts of suicide and self-harm are serious warning signs that should never be ignored. If you or someone you know is experiencing these thoughts, seek immediate help by calling the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988) or contact your local emergency services. Remember that these feelings are symptoms of the disorder, not a reflection of reality, and professional help can provide relief.

Could I Have Body Dysmorphia? A Quick Self-Reflection Quiz

This brief quiz is based on common diagnostic criteria and clinical observations from the DSM-5-TR used to identify body dysmorphic disorder (BDD).4 It’s not a diagnostic tool, but it can help you reflect on whether your body image concerns may warrant further support from a mental health professional.

Instructions

For each statement, answer Yes or No.

  1. Do you often worry about a specific part of your appearance that others say looks fine or don’t seem to notice?
  2. Do you frequently check mirrors, photos, or reflective surfaces to look at this area of concern?
  3. Do you avoid social situations, photos, or video calls because of how you feel about your appearance?
  4. Do you spend more than an hour a day thinking about your appearance or trying to “fix” your flaw?
  5. Have you tried to hide or cover up this part of your body with makeup, clothing, or accessories?
  6. Do you seek frequent reassurance from others about how you look, but rarely feel reassured?
  7. Have you seen multiple doctors, dermatologists, or plastic surgeons about this concern?
  8. Have you ever felt hopeless, depressed, or had thoughts of self-harm related to your appearance?

Scoring

  • 0–2 “yes” answers: You may have occasional appearance concerns, which are common.
  • 3–5 “yes” answers: Your concerns might be affecting your quality of life. It may be helpful to talk to a therapist.
  • 6+ “yes” answers: You may be experiencing signs consistent with body dysmorphic disorder. Consider seeking professional support.

Note: This quiz is inspired by the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Questionnaire (BDDQ) and clinical criteria in the DSM-5. It is for educational use only and is not a substitute for a professional diagnosis.

What Causes Body Dysmorphic Disorder?

The exact cause of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is not fully understood, but several risk factors5 are believed to contribute:

  • Genetics: A family history of BDD, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or other mental health conditions may increase the risk.
  • Brain chemistry: Imbalances in serotonin, a neurotransmitter that affects mood and anxiety, may play a role.
  • Trauma or bullying: Negative experiences, such as childhood trauma or being bullied for appearance, can increase the likelihood of developing BDD.
  • Cultural factors: Societal pressures and unrealistic beauty standards in media can exacerbate body image concerns and may contribute to the development of BDD.

When Should You Seek Help?

If you’re experiencing any of the signs or symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), it’s important to know that you don’t have to manage it alone. While everyone has moments of insecurity or self-doubt, BDD can be overwhelming and may require professional support to manage.

Here are some signs that it’s time to seek help:

The Distress Affects Your Daily Life

If your preoccupation with your appearance is interfering with your ability to work, study, maintain relationships, or enjoy social activities, it’s a clear indication that your body image concerns may be more than just a passing insecurity.

Repetitive Behaviors Are Difficult to Control

If you find yourself unable to stop behaviors like mirror checking, skin picking, or seeking constant reassurance, and these actions are consuming a significant amount of time each day, it might be time to reach out for help.

Seeking Medical or Cosmetic Treatments Does Not Bring Relief

If you’ve tried multiple cosmetic procedures, seen various healthcare providers, or spent significant time and money trying to “fix” a perceived flaw, but continue to feel unsatisfied or worse, this is a signal that the issue is rooted in a deeper psychological concern, not a physical flaw.

Reassurance From Others Doesn’t Ease Your Anxiety

If loved ones consistently reassure you that you look fine or that your concerns are unfounded, but you continue to feel distressed, it may indicate the need for professional intervention. BDD is not about vanity—it’s a mental health issue that requires treatment.

Self-Harm or Suicidal Thoughts Arise

If you experience thoughts of self-harm or suicide due to your appearance or body image distress, it is critical to seek immediate support. These thoughts are a sign of the severe emotional toll BDD can have and should be addressed by a mental health professional right away.

How Is BDD Treated?

Seeking help is a positive step toward healing. Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) can be a challenging condition to manage on your own, but effective treatment options6 are available. The goal of treatment is to help people recognize and address the distorted thoughts and behaviors that fuel their distress, allowing them to improve their quality of life.

Common treatment approaches for BDD include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people challenge distorted thoughts and behaviors related to their body image concerns. This evidence-based approach teaches patients to recognize and change negative thought patterns that fuel their distress. 

Medication

Medication can be a helpful part of treatment, particularly when someone also has symptoms of related disorders like anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which often co-occur with BDD. Psychiatrists also commonly prescribe a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to help manage these symptoms. While medication can provide relief from the emotional distress and obsessive behaviors associated with BDD, it’s usually most effective when combined with psychotherapy.

Support Groups

Participating in support groups can be beneficial for people struggling with BDD. Being able to share experiences with others who understand the challenges of living with BDD provides emotional support and a sense of community. These groups offer a safe space to discuss body image struggles and help people feel less isolated in their journey toward recovery.

Family Therapy & Education

BDD can significantly impact your relationships, making it incredibly helpful to involve family members in the treatment process. Family therapy helps your loved ones understand the condition and learn how to provide positive, supportive responses. Educating family members about the nature of BDD reduces misunderstandings and helps them better support your recovery journey.

Lifestyle Changes

Exercise, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques can help manage the anxiety and stress that often accompany BDD. Regular physical activity improves mood, boosts self-esteem, and reduces compulsive behaviors. Mindfulness practices such as meditation or deep breathing exercises help individuals manage intrusive thoughts and stay grounded in the present moment, rather than becoming fixated on appearance-related concerns.

Getting the Help You Deserve

If you recognize these signs in yourself, remember that BDD is a real and treatable condition: You’re not being vain, and you’re not alone in your struggle. 

Taking the step to acknowledge these symptoms shows incredible strength and self-awareness. Reaching out to a mental health professional who specializes in body image disorders or BDD can be life-changing. With the right support and treatment, you can find relief from the distressing thoughts and behaviors that have been controlling your life, and start to see yourself with greater compassion and clarity.

FAQs

Q. How is BDD different from low self-esteem or insecurity?

A. While many people experience occasional doubts about their appearance, BDD involves obsessive, uncontrollable thoughts about perceived flaws that consume hours each day and significantly interfere with daily functioning. Unlike general insecurity, BDD typically focuses on specific body parts and drives compulsive behaviors like excessive mirror checking, grooming rituals, or seeking multiple cosmetic procedures. The emotional distress is much more severe than typical self-esteem issues and can lead to social isolation, depression, and in severe cases, thoughts of self-harm.

Q. Am I insecure or do I have body dysmorphia?

A. While insecurity about appearance is common, BDD involves obsessive, overwhelming thoughts about perceived flaws that significantly interfere with your daily life, relationships, and functioning. If your appearance concerns consume hours of your day or cause you to avoid social situations, it may be more than typical insecurity.

Q. Do people with body dysmorphia realize they have it?

A. Many people with BDD are unaware of their condition and don’t recognize that their perception of their appearance is distorted. The shame and isolation associated with BDD makes it difficult to see that their concerns are excessive, and they often believe others notice their perceived flaws just as intensely as they do.

Q. Can you self-diagnose body dysmorphia?

A. You cannot reliably self-diagnose BDD, as it requires identifying complex patterns of thought and behavior that are difficult to recognize in yourself. While you may notice some symptoms, only a mental health professional can properly diagnose BDD, rule out other conditions, and recommend appropriate treatment.

Q. Is it body dysmorphia or dysphoria?

A. The correct term is “body dysmorphia” or “body dysmorphic disorder (BDD),” not “body dysphoria.”

Q. How is an eating disorder different from BDD?

A. Eating disorders primarily focus on weight and food intake, while BDD involves obsessive preoccupation with specific body parts or features like skin, nose, or hair that are unrelated to weight.

Q. How do I help a loved one showing signs of body dysmorphia?

A. Approach them with patience and empathy and avoid phrases like “it’s not a big deal” that minimize their concerns. Gently encourage professional help from a mental health specialist, offer to help them find a therapist, and provide emotional support while emphasizing that professional treatment is necessary for recovery.

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The Signs a Young Adult May Have an Eating Disorder

Adolescence and early adulthood are pivotal periods for navigating life’s challenges and developing a sense of identity, particularly when it comes to mental health. During this time, external pressures can contribute to the rise of eating disorders, which have become a silent epidemic among young adults. Disorders like anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating not only impact physical health—leading to malnutrition, heart complications, and other severe conditions—but also take a profound toll on mental well-being.

Recognizing the signs early during these formative years can make the difference between a lifelong struggle and a successful recovery. Early intervention allows young adults to regain their health, rebuild self-esteem, and restore a healthy relationship with food and body image.

Listen to our podcast episode with Dana Sedlak (LCSW, CEDS-C) to learn more about eating disorders and adolescent treatment options. 

Common Types of Eating Disorders in Young Adults

Eating disorders can affect anyone, but especially young people. The average onset begins between ages 18-211, a time when individuals are particularly vulnerable to societal pressures and body image concerns. Each eating disorder is a complicated and multifaceted condition that requires specialized care.

Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image, leading to severe restriction of food intake1. People with anorexia often have an obsession with being thin and extreme dieting, excessive exercise, or other behaviors to avoid weight gain.

A person with anorexia nervosa can drastically lose weight, refuse to maintain a healthy weight, and fixate on calorie counting or food-related rituals. Despite the risks such as malnutrition, fatigue, and weakened immune function, the fear of gaining weight drives the person’s cycle of restrictive behaviors.

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa involves cycles of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors, or “purging,” to prevent weight gain2. During a binge, the individual can feel “out of control” while eating and consume a large amount of food in a short period of time, followed by intense guilt, shame, or distress. To counteract the binge and these negative feelings, the person purges by self-induced vomiting, excessive laxative use, or extreme exercise. 

Unlike anorexia, people with bulimia may maintain a normal or above-average weight, making the disorder less immediately visible. However, bulimia can lead to serious health complications, including electrolyte imbalances, gastrointestinal problems, dental erosion, and heart issues, making it a dangerous and harmful disorder if left untreated.

Binge Eating Disorder

Binge eating disorder (BED) has recurrent binge episodes, and, unlike bulimia nervosa, individuals do not purge3. During a binge, the person may eat rapidly, eat until uncomfortably full, eat large quantities even when not hungry, and isolate themselves, then feel ashamed or guilty afterward. These intense emotions can lead to a cycle of emotional eating. 

Someone with BED does not take immediate action to counteract the calories consumed, leading to weight gain and health risks like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular issues. 

Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED)

Some eating disorders may not neatly fit into the traditional categories but still have severe health implications. Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), for example, is when individuals limit food intake due to a lack of interest in eating4 or an aversion to certain textures or tastes, rather than concerns about body image. Orthorexia nervosa, though not officially recognized as an eating disorder, involves an unhealthy obsession with eating foods deemed “pure” or “healthy,”5 which can lead to severe dietary restrictions and malnutrition.

Other specified feeding or eating disorders (OSFED) can also be a diagnostic category for individuals who exhibit significant eating disorder behaviors but do not meet the full criteria6 for anorexia, bulimia, or BED. OSFED can include a wide range of disordered eating patterns that still pose serious health risks, such as night eating syndrome or purging disorder. 

Physical Signs of an Eating Disorder

While weight fluctuation is perfectly normal, staying vigilant to your child’s physical and mental well-being can help you discern if the changes are healthy or warning signs of an eating disorder. 

Noticeable Weight Changes

Restrictive eating behaviors can result in weight loss, as seen in anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, where food intake is drastically reduced or purging prevents weight gain. This weight loss often comes with other red flags, including fatigue and dizziness as the body becomes deprived of essential nutrients.

Conversely, rapid weight gain can indicate BED with frequent episodes of overeating. 

When talking to your child about weight loss or gain, remember that this topic is sensitive and accompanied by a host of negative feelings. Instead of focusing on their weight, you can discuss your concern about their eating habits and its impact on their health.

Physical Health Issues

Outside of weight, unhealthy eating behaviors impact all parts of the body via inadequate nutrition or harmful behaviors like vomiting. Carbohydrates serve as the brain’s main energy source7, so severely restricting food intake causes low energy levels, dizziness, and fatigue8 as well as cognitive impairment and decline.  

Symptoms such as bloating, constipation, or abdominal pain can manifest from irregular eating patterns9, starvation, or the misuse of laxatives.

For women, hormonal imbalances due to extreme weight loss or nutritional deficiency can cause amenorrhea10, or disruptions or complete cessation of their menstrual cycle. In these cases, the body prioritizes essential survival functions over the reproductive system, which has the potential for long-term harm.

Changes in Appearance

Due to a lack of essential nutrients, particularly protein and vitamins, hair and nails become brittle and dry11. Malnutrition and dehydration can also cause the skin to lose its elasticity and moisture, leading to a dry and flaky appearance.

Purging behaviors, such as vomiting, create dental problems as stomach acid erodes tooth enamel12. This can lead to tooth decay, sensitivity, discoloration, and even gum disease. Chronic vomiting can also damage the throat and mouth lining.

Behavioral Signs of an Eating Disorder

Often, someone with an eating disorder will try to hide their unhealthy eating habits. If you suspect that your child has an eating disorder, try to pick up on the subtle behavioral indicators that they may need help.

Obsession with Food and Weight

In an attempt to maintain control over their weight and emotions, they may constantly track every calorie consumed, often to an extreme degree, indicating an unhealthy relationship with food. Chronic dieting or switching between restrictive eating plans disrupt normal eating patterns, contributing to a cycle of weight loss and gain, damaging both physical health and mental stability.

By fixating on their body image, they may have a distorted view of their own size, even when underweight. You may notice frequent body checking (e.g., excessively looking in mirrors, pinching skin). 

Secretive Behavior

Rooted in deep emotional struggles related to body image and self-worth, someone with an eating disorder may isolate themselves and exhibit sneaky behavior around meals. They may stash or hide food in their room, bags, or other secret locations and consume large quantities of food privately. 

The person can lie about their eating habits, claiming to have eaten when they haven’t or significantly downplaying how much they ate. Or they may immediately leave the table after eating to purge. 

Emotional and Psychological Signs

While the most obvious signs of an eating disorder appear physically, the emotional distress behind the changes can sometimes have the most negative impact. 

Mood Swings and Irritability

When the body is fighting to function without proper fuel (food), cognition declines. Malnutrition and restrictive behaviors can affect brain chemistry13, leading to a lower tolerance for life’s ups and downs and causing sadness, frustration, or mood swings. 

Eating disorders like anorexia can lead to structural changes in the brain14 such as loss of gray matter and decreased thickness of the cerebral cortex and the outer layer of the brain. These mutations influence emotional regulation, lending to an overall negative affect.

Anxiety and Depression

It’s no coincidence the rise of anxiety and depression among young adults correlates with the onset of eating disorders15. These conditions provoke more severe disordered eating symptoms and create a complex web of co-occurring conditions necessitating specialized treatment. 

Much like anxiety and depression, someone with an eating disorder tends to have low self-esteem and withdraw from social activities, either due to fear of eating with others or from fatigue. A constant preoccupation with food, weight, and body image also creates emotional exhaustion, exacerbating the symptoms.  

Perfectionism and Control Issues

For some, controlling their eating is a way to process and cope with situations that are out of their control—usually spiraling into unhealthy and restrictive habits. Perfectionism can manifest as strict dietary rules and an extreme exercise regimen to feed the obsession of an ideal body type. And when they fall short of these unattainable standards, the person can experience intense self-criticism and guilt, perpetuating disordered eating patterns.

Eating disorders often coincide with conditions like obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and other compulsive disorders as both are driven by intrusive, distressing thoughts16. Someone with these co-occurring conditions may severely restrict their food among other behavioral rituals in an attempt to control their anxieties and thoughts. Each disorder has a unique impact on the brain and body, requiring individualized care.

Impact on Daily Life

Physical, behavioral, and emotional disruptions can blend into a symphony of destructive daily habits, worsening the eating disorder. Over time, this degrades the person’s overall well-being.

Academic Performance

Depriving the brain of proper nutrition leads to poor attention, concentration, and problem solving skills13, therefore decreasing academic performance. Students can then feel overwhelmed and frustrated by their poor performance, contributing to a cycle of restrictive behaviors and underperformance.

Beyond the physical impact of malnutrition, obsessive thoughts and anxieties can further disrupt concentration as they fixate on counting calories, planning meals, or their weight. Mood swings may also make it hard to stay present in academic settings.

Social Withdrawal

People with eating disorders tend to distance themselves from loved ones, avoiding social interactions and family gatherings to hide their food habits. They may feel ashamed of their eating disorder and concerned about judgements from worried friends and family. 

Isolation can only worsen the negative thought patterns involved in an eating disorder as a cycle of rumination grows. If you’re concerned about your child, you can try to do low stress, fun activities with them without mentioning their weight or eating habits to break this habit.

Daily Routine Disruptions

Eating disorders often interfere with healthy sleep17 due to energy and hormonal imbalances, leading to issues such as insomnia and irregular sleep patterns. This lack of sleep and food can contribute to poor concentration, irritability, and more.

Many individuals, particularly those with anorexia nervosa, orthorexia, or bulimia nervosa, compulsively or excessively exercise as a way to control weight or “burn off” calories. This overexercising can become a rigid part of their routine, often prioritized over other aspects of life, including social activities, rest, or work. 

Whether through lost hours of sleep, a preoccupation with exercise, or difficulty completing daily tasks due to fatigue, an eating disorder can take over much of their mental and physical energy.

When to Seek Professional Help

There is no such thing as a “bad” time to ask for help—whether you’re noticing the onset of eating disorder warning signs or the person needs serious medical care, professional treatment and family support can help your young adult not feel alone in their struggles.

Consulting Healthcare Providers

A healthcare professional can offer tailored insights for eating disorders and collaborate with you to create an achievable care plan. 

A pediatrician or general practitioner can be a good first point of contact. They can perform an initial physical assessment to evaluate the individual’s overall health, checking for signs of malnutrition, weight loss, or other physical symptoms associated with eating disorders (heart irregularities, electrolyte imbalances, or gastrointestinal issues). After these initial meetings, the practitioner can refer you to a specialist.

You may employ a diverse range of professionals to treat the eating disorder and any co-occurring conditions. Eating disorders are often linked to deep-seated emotional and psychological issues such as anxiety, so a psychologist can help address the mental and emotional aspects of each disorder through therapy. A registered dietitian specializing in eating disorders plays a crucial role in nutritional rehabilitation, as well. They can help restore a healthy relationship with food by creating personalized meal plans that support both physical and emotional recovery.

When necessary, eating disorder treatment centers offer intensive, multidisciplinary care based on the client’s needs. Some people with eating disorders may need a more intensive level of care to help monitor and manage their symptoms. When talking to your doctor, you can figure out which level of care best fits your needs:

  • Outpatient (OP): You’ll meet 1-2x per week with your provider and others in treatment.
  • Intensive outpatient (IOP): You’ll meet 3-5x per week for several hours at a time for more intensive care.
  • Partial hospitalization (PHP): You’ll meet 5-7 times a week for a full day.
  • Residential: You’ll live in a rehab for 28+ days and engage in treatment with a comprehensive staff and a community of peers.
  • Inpatient: You’ll live in a treatment center or hospital-like setting and have 24/7 monitoring.

Supporting a Young Adult with an Eating Disorder

Your child might be going through a confusing and complex time, and your support can set them on the path to a healthy relationship with their mind and body.

Open Communication

When talking to your young adult, it’s important that they feel safe in their space and in the conversation to be honest and vulnerable. Try to approach them with a non-judgemental tone, and calmly voice your concerns. You can say phrases like “I’ve noticed that you seem to be struggling with eating lately, and I’m concerned about your health.” This approach focuses on your feelings and observations rather than making the person feel judged or blamed.

Avoid talking about their physical appearance. Comments about their size, even if intended to be positive or neutral, can reinforce the focus on body image and exacerbate shame and guilt. 

Change takes time, and they may not be ready to acknowledge their problem immediately. Be patient and try to avoid threatening language, as this may push them away or increase their resistance to seeking help.

Let them know that you are there for them, regardless of their response to your concerns. Make it clear that your support is unwavering, and they can talk to you whenever they feel ready.

Creating a Supportive Environment

Your home can be a safe space where your young adult feels encouraged, understood, and supported in their journey toward health and well-being. In addition to having filling, nutrient dense foods, you can create a comfortable environment that encourages discussing emotions, struggles, and progress without fear of judgment.

You can be a positive role model for your child. Try to avoid dieting and weight talk, as this can reinforce disordered thinking. Shift the focus from appearance and weight to overall health and well-being, as this helps reduce the pressure they may feel to meet certain body image standards.

Recovery from an eating disorder is often a long and complex process, with setbacks and challenges along the way. Be patient and compassionate as they navigate their journey.

Resources for Further Help

These resources provide various levels of support, from immediate crisis intervention to long-term recovery assistance, and are available to individuals, families, and caregivers.

Hotlines:

  1. National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) Helpline

Phone: 1-800-931-2237

Text: Text “NEDA” to 741741 for 24/7 crisis support

  1. Crisis Text Line

Text: Text “HELLO” to 741741

  1. The Trevor Project (for LGBTQ+ youth)

Phone: 1-866-488-7386

Text: Text “START” to 678678

Websites:

  1. National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA): Offers comprehensive resources, including a screening tool, information on treatment options, and support forums.
  2. National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD): Offers free, peer-led support groups, mentoring programs, and educational resources for individuals and families affected by eating disorders.
  3. Eating Disorder Hope: Provides resources on eating disorder treatment, recovery tools, and educational information for individuals and families.
  4. BEAT (United Kingdom): Offers support, resources, and a helpline for individuals with eating disorders in the UK.

Support Groups:

  1. ANAD (National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders)
  2. Eating Disorders Anonymous (EDA)
  3. Overeaters Anonymous (OA)
  4. The Body Positive