Body Image and Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are more than a lifestyle choice or form of dieting. They are serious, sometimes fatal conditions involving severe alterations in eating behaviors and harmful body image issues. Eating disorders are also treatable and recovery is possible.
Learn
The three main categories of eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. These disorders can cause distressing thoughts about body weight and shape, which leads to dangerous alterations in eating patterns. Learn more below.
Act
There is often shame and secrecy around eating disorders that can make anyone struggling with these conditions feel more alone and hopeless. The first step to breaking that cycle of silence is to talk to someone about your thoughts, feelings and behaviors.
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BREATHE
Trying to figure out how to deal with emotional struggles while we’re actually experiencing them can be challenging. So if you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a minute to breathe, move, meditate or even make a gratitude list to help manage those feelings.
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TALK ABOUT IT
Too many people struggle with eating disorders in silence because they’re afraid people will judge them or that they’ll burden others. Eating disorders are treatable medical conditions, so there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Lean on your support network and talk about how you’re feeling (trust us, it helps).
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TAKE CARE
Our mental and physical health are intertwined, so it’s important to pay attention to both. Not getting enough sleep or unhealthy coping strategies like self-injury and numbing with drugs or alcohol can worsen symptoms of an eating disorder. It’s okay to step back and take some time for yourself while you’re also reaching out for help and taking actions to feel better.
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GET HELP
In many cases, symptoms of eating disorders don’t go away on their own, and when unaddressed, they can negatively impact work, school, relationships and long-term health and wellness. Don’t wait until things get worse. Reach out for help from a professional. You can find resources below or visit our help-seeking page to learn more.
Connect
These resources can help you find professional support online, on the phone, or in person. And if you or a friend are having thoughts of suicide, reach out immediately for a free, confidential chat with a trained counselor anytime.
When contacting a resource below, any information you provide will be collected and used by that resource, subjects to its end user terms and conditions and privacy policy. Please contact the applicable resource if you would like more information.
| Resource | Type | Contact |
|---|---|---|
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Crisis Text Line
Have a free, confidential chat with a trained counselor. Available 24/7. |
Text Line | Text ACTION to 741-741 |
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Lifeline
Call for a free, confidential conversation with a trained counselor. Available 24/7. |
Call Line | 988 |
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Trans Lifeline
A free peer support phone service run by trans people for the trans community, that operates from 10am to 5am EST. |
Call Line | 877-565-8860 |
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The Trevor Project
A safe, judgement free support service for LGBTQ+ and questioning youth who are struggling or thinking about suicide. Available 24/7. |
Website | Visit website |
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ADAA Therapist Search
A tool to help find local mental health services, including teletherapy options. |
Website | Visit website |
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BetterHelp
A paid online portal that provides access to mental health services, including online counseling, phone, and text communication. |
Website | Visit website |
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TalkSpace
A paid online text therapy platform that provides 24/7 access to licensed therapists who cover a broad range of mental health services. |
Website | Visit website |
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Outside the U.S.? Find a Helpline
Free emotional support, wherever you are. |
Website | Find a Helpline |
