What’s eating you?

Renew. Rebuild. Recover. A blog by West Michigan Community Mental Health. 

Eating disorders are serious and complex mental illnesses. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, eating disorders affect more than twice as many American women and girls than men and boys; however, like any mental illness, eating disorders can affect people of any gender, age, race or religion.

One of the most harmful stigmas regarding eating disorders is that the person affected is either vain and superficial or lacks self-control.  Stigmas that blame the person often discourage individuals with eating disorders from coming forward and seeking help.

Seeking help can be easier if the person has support.  You can help by learning about eating disorders at www.nationaleatingdisorders.org.  If you are concerned about a friend of loved one, be aware that some symptoms can become life threatening if a person does not receive treatment.  By educating and offering support, you just might save a life.