Eating disorders are complicated and layered conditions. There are many beliefs about eating disorders that simply aren’t true and some aspects about eating disorders that are commonly misunderstood. It is important to have an accurate general knowledge about eating disorders in order to seek the appropriate support.
Read MoreWhile eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors can impact individuals of all identities, studies repeatedly show that those in the LGBTQ+ community experience these struggles at higher rates than the general population. As sexual and gender minorities, this community faces increased levels of external and internal stressors. These external stressors (bullying, discrimination, violence, micro-aggressions, stereotypes, social pressures to conform, etc.) and internal stressors (internalized homophobia or transphobia, concealment of identity(s), fear of rejection, disclosing/coming out, etc.) are challenges that disproportionately impact this community and are more likely to contribute to feelings of body dissatisfaction. Body dissatisfaction is found to be one of the greatest predictors associated with eating disorders and/or disordered eating behaviors.
Read MoreAdolescence is the developmental stage from about ages 12-18. During this period, adolescents are building an understanding of who they are and how they fit into the world. Because of what we know about the developmental stage of adolescence, it is expected that this is a time when comparison to others is more present and body image may waver. This often brings up concerns for kids about what others think of them and if they are living up to societal expectations. When it comes to body type in our culture, there is a societal expectation for bodies to fit the “thin ideal”. This expectation is something that we cannot escape as it is presented to us at every angle whether that be consuming media or what is taught in health classes at school. It is important to understand how to respond to your child when they approach this stage.
Read MoreIf you have a child in recovery from an eating disorder, you know that there are many challenges to navigate together. Every day brings its own highs and lows as they learn to cope with distressing emotions and build a healthier relationship with food. The holiday season comes with a new set of challenges for those in recovery and their families. Even if your child is making great strides in the recovery process, you may expect some additional difficulty during this time. Luckily, you can prepare together and make the upcoming challenge more manageable. Here are some helpful tips…
Read MoreIf your child is struggling with an eating disorder or working through their recovery journey, you may have noticed that meal times can be a huge stressor. People recovering from eating disorders have to directly challenge their disordered thoughts and feelings several times a day during every meal. This can be especially difficult for kids and teens. Unfortunately, there is no way to avoid it; we need to eat in order to survive. However as a parent, you can make meal time a bit easier for your child. You can create a nurturing environment for recovery while helping your child build distress tolerance. Here are some do’s and don’t’s for meal time…
Read MoreAre you happy with the body you live in? Do you often criticize your appearance? These are all questions related to body image. Body image refers to your personal relationship with your body, not what you actually look like. It is connected to your beliefs, perceptions, feelings, thoughts, and actions surrounding your physical appearance. It’s more challenging to accept yourself when you have difficulty liking your physical looks. Body dissatisfaction is a common problem; in fact, millions of people struggle with body dissatisfaction or issues with body image. There is good news though! An unsatisfying or negative body image can be changed to a positive one. There are ways to achieve self-acceptance. Here are some tips you can use to work towards a healthier body image…
Read MoreIt’s the holiday season, which means that family, celebration, and food are front of mind. We take the time to celebrate with loved ones, having fun and catching up over a delicious meal. While it’s great to enjoy a feast with family, it’s also important to be mindful of what you’re eating. The holiday season is known all too well for its high-calorie foods that often cause us to overeat. If you’re wondering what you can do to enjoy your meal without worrying about putting your health at risk, look no further! Here are some tips to keep yourself in check and practice healthy holiday eating…
Read MoreWhen people hear the phrase “Eating Disorder”, the more common disorders like anorexia and bulimia come to mind. However, there are actually a number of other types of eating disorders that are not as well known—but just as dangerous. One such type is ARFID, or Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. ARFID is more than just “picky eating”—it negatively impacts a person’s weight, harms his or her growth, or interferes with someone’s daily tasks. As a result of the severe eating problem, the person may not be able to get enough nutrition through his or her diet. Let’s learn more about ARFID, how it differs from picky eating, and how therapy can help those with ARFID…
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