Over nine percent of Americans (almost 30 million people) have been affected by eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and orthorexia (ANAD, 2021). Most individuals who suffer from eating disorders also have other mental health disorders such as anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and depression. Many have also suffered abuse. This is why eating disorders have been so difficult to treat because the causes can be from various psychological sources. Orthorexia means an obsession with proper or ‘healthful’ eating and is a very common eating disorder that has not yet been added to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM 5) but has been widely recognized by many psychologists and therapists (Center for Discovery, 2021). Some eating disorders, such as orthorexia, can be masked by the individual so well they can go undetected for years.

Many of us may see eating disorders as one specific disorder. Still, we may not understand the underlying causes or intricate layers for why the individual suffers from Self-Abuse in this way. Eating disorders are a form of Self-Abuse and can take on various forms, from starvation to purging and sometimes other forms of self-harm. From our example above, individuals with orthorexia can overexert their body to pure exhaustion with exercise, limit their food intake, and have daily panic attacks surrounding food. It is crucial to see any form of disordered eating, even something as simple as moving the food around their plate, as a red flag. So many individuals will start to have small moments of disordered eating, which can escalate without intervention.

This form of self-abuse may not be as well known because there is still such a societal stigma around body image and diet culture. Even in 2021, we still see thousands of fad diets, coaching programs, and body shaming which can lead individuals to Self-Abuse in various forms, not just eating disorders.

What can we do to show compassion toward friends, family, and our community that may be struggling with Self-Abuse and eating disorders? Compassion and comfort are key. Be gentle with your words and research activating phrases or words that you can avoid when speaking with someone who is struggling. Tell them you are there to listen and help them through this long journey. I myself am a testament to community strength because I am an eating disorder and Self-Abuse survivor. Healing and recovery are a group effort. Start with compassion, an open mind, and an open heart.

We are here to support you in your personal healing journey to complete wellbeing. We bring awareness and education to ten different types of abuse and help others heal and find peace.
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Bibliography
ANAD. (2021). Eating Disorder Statistics. Retrieved from National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders: https://anad.org/eating-disorders-statistics/
Center for Discovery. (2021). What is Orthorexia Nervosa? Retrieved from Center for Discovery: https://centerfordiscovery.com/conditions/orthorexia/