Silence can perpetuate pain and isolation.
Connection, compassion, and care save lives.
For too long, mental health struggles — especially eating disorders — have been wrapped in shame, judgment and misunderstanding. We’re taught to whisper about them. To treat them as personal failures, not the complex mental health and medical conditions they truly are.
These are not isolated battles — they are layered, tangled and deeply human.
It’s time for a new story.
Mental health is health.
Eating disorders are not a choice.
Recovery is possible — and everyone deserves the chance to heal.
Yet stigma remains a devastating barrier to healing.
- It tells people they should hide their pain.
- It tells them their feelings and experiences don’t matter.
- It tells families they should blame themselves.
- It tells survivors that their struggles aren’t serious enough.
None of this is true. And none of it leads to healing.
Facing the Facts
Eating disorders often occur alongside other mental health challenges. They are deeply connected to trauma, neurodivergence, anxiety, depression, substance use and the lasting impacts of discrimination and marginalization — demanding a holistic, compassionate approach to care.
Research shows:
- According to Mental Health America, the majority of individuals with eating disorders have at least one co-occurring mental health condition, most commonly mood disorders, anxiety disorders or substance use disorders.
- The National Alliance for Eating Disorders reports that eating disorders frequently co-occur with other psychiatric conditions, emphasizing the need for integrated, trauma-informed treatment approaches.
- ANAD estimates that over 70% of individuals with eating disorders have another mental health condition, particularly anxiety and mood disorders.
- Up to 75% of individuals with eating disorders report a history of trauma, including physical, emotional or sexual abuse (Brewerton, 2007).
- Project HEAL highlights trauma and discrimination as significant risk factors: 62% of those with eating disorders experienced trauma before age 18, and 83% faced discrimination — experiences that correlate with more severe eating disorder symptoms and poorer treatment outcomes.
- Approximately 50% of individuals with eating disorders also abuse alcohol or illicit drugs, a rate five times higher than the general population (CASAColumbia).
- Individuals with ADHD are significantly more likely to experience disordered eating patterns (Levin & Rawana, 2016).
- Approximately 21% of individuals with autism experience ARFID, underscoring the strong connection between neurodivergence and feeding and eating challenges (PubMed).
How We Break the Cycle of Stigma
Ending stigma doesn’t happen through silence or good intentions — it happens through action.
Each of us has a role to play in creating a world where seeking help is met with compassion, not judgment.
Here are ways we can all make a difference:
- Use person-first language.
Speak about “people living with eating disorders,” not labels like “anorexic” or “bulimic.” - Challenge stereotypes.
Eating disorders impact people of every gender, race, size, age and ability. - Normalize therapy and mental healthcare.
Seeking help is strength, not weakness. - Avoid harmful language and stereotypes.
Words that minimize, joke about, or stereotype mental health struggles can reinforce stigma and misinformation. When in doubt, ask — respectful curiosity builds connection. - Educate yourself — and others.
Every conversation, every bit of advocacy, chips away at stigma. - Get involved with advocacy efforts.
Organizations like the Eating Disorders Coalition, National Alliance for Eating Disorders, Project HEAL, NAMI, The Trevor Project, BEAM, and Inclusive Therapists work to improve access to care, promote research, build inclusive support systems and fight stigma. Joining or supporting these groups can help create real change.
Change starts with small moments of courage. By choosing compassion over judgment, education over assumptions, and connection over silence, we create a path to healing — together.
Treating the Whole Person: Our Commitment at Reasons Eating Disorder Center
At Reasons Eating Disorder Center, we believe true recovery addresses the full person — not just symptoms.
Our specialized programs support individuals struggling with eating disorders alongside co-occurring conditions such as trauma and PTSD, depression and anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), substance use disorders and neurodivergent needs, including autism and ADHD.
Healing is not linear.
Recovery is not one-size-fits-all.
Every story matters — and every story deserves hope.
If you or someone you love is struggling, compassionate support is available.
You are not alone.
Contact us today to learn more about our integrated treatment programs at 844-573-2766.
