We need to talk about a phrase that still circulates in conversations across treatment teams, healthcare systems and even within the eating disorder field: “psych patients.” We still hear this term used in ways that feel dismissive, stigmatizing, and loaded with judgment—as if there’s an “us” and a “them,” with one side viewed as more difficult, more dangerous or less deserving of care.
In many settings, “psych patients” are talked about as chaotic, manipulative, difficult or less deserving of nuanced care. Meanwhile, eating disorder patients are often seen as fragile, high-functioning or easier to work with—assumptions that may seem complimentary on the surface but can minimize the seriousness of their experience and create barriers to comprehensive care. Whether you’re someone navigating an eating disorder, a loved one supporting someone through recovery or a provider working in this space—you may have felt this divide. This kind of split reinforces harmful stereotypes—and frankly, it’s just not accurate.
The Truth: Mental Health Diagnoses Don’t Fit Neatly in Boxes
Many people in eating disorder treatment also have co-occurring diagnoses—depression, anxiety, PTSD, personality disorders, bipolar disorder and yes, even symptoms of psychosis. These aren’t outliers; they’re part of the lived experience of millions.
Let’s look at the data:
- 1 in 5 U.S. adults lives with a mental illness (NAMI)
- Up to 97% of people with eating disorders have at least one additional psychiatric diagnosis (PubMed)
- 1 in 25 U.S. adults lives with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or severe depression (NIMH)
- 70% of people with eating disorders also experience anxiety or depression (NEDA)
- Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among those with eating disorders (NIMH)
(Source: NAMI)
For those navigating both an eating disorder and other mental health concerns—you are not alone. And for families, friends and providers walking alongside someone in that experience, know that healing isn’t about erasing complexity, but supporting the whole person with care, patience and dignity.
Rethinking the Narrative: Challenging the Divide in Mental Health Care
When “psych patient” becomes shorthand for someone “too complicated” or “too much,” we’re not just reflecting stigma—we’re reinforcing it. And it can do real damage:
- It shames individuals who are already struggling to feel safe or understood
- It discourages honesty and vulnerability in treatment
- It leads to fragmentation in care—where certain conditions are welcomed and others quietly pushed out
- It creates a barrier to getting the care someone truly needs
At Reasons Eating Disorder Center, we reject this divide. We believe in treating the whole person—including the parts that are often overlooked or misunderstood. That means welcoming complexity, addressing co-occurring conditions with care and competence and ensuring that our spaces are grounded in compassion, dignity, trauma-informed practices and clinical excellence.
If you’ve ever felt like parts of your story—or the story of someone you love or support—is “too much,” please know this: all of you is welcome in the healing process.
How Do We Begin to Remove the Stigma?
- Watch Our Language
Language shapes perception. Instead of relying on labels like “psych patient,” describe the behaviors or symptoms with specificity and empathy.
- Educate Ourselves
Mental illness is not rare or shameful. People living with serious mental health conditions deserve care rooted in evidence, not fear.
- Interrupt the Narrative
When dismissive language comes up, pause and ask: What are we really trying to say? Can we communicate concern or complexity without othering?
- Break Down Silos in Treatment
Eating disorder treatment is mental health treatment. Let’s stop pretending otherwise. Integrated, collaborative care benefits everyone.
Final Thought: Words Matter. So Does the Way We Think.
Most of the time, stigma isn’t intentional—it shows up in the language we’ve absorbed, the assumptions we’ve inherited or the systems we work within. But when we dismiss, diminish or devalue people because of their diagnosis or mental health presentation, we’re not practicing quality care—we’re reinforcing stigma. Let’s keep thinking critically, speaking with intention and showing up with the kind of compassion that everyone deserves—no matter what they’re carrying.
If you’re reading this as someone in recovery, someone supporting a loved one or someone working in the field—know this: your presence matters. You are not alone. And together, we can create a culture of care that honors the full truth of what it means to struggle and heal.
This conversation isn’t easy—but it’s necessary. And we’re learning right alongside you.
Shared with care by the team at Reasons Eating Disorder Center, where we are committed to fostering healing spaces rooted in compassion, inclusion and dignity.
