1. Eating Disorders are not about vanity.
There seems to be a misconception that because EDs are focused around food (and sometimes the body) that they are caused by vanity. This isn’t true. On the surface it certainly looks like a matter of vanity but underneath, most would agree it’s actually just a form of control.
2. Eating Disorders are not a ploy for attention.
Nobody with a real Eating Disorder is doing it for attention. In fact, often people will hide their eating disorder for one reason or another.
3. Eating Disorders are no one’s choice or fault.
Not the parents, teachers, peers, or even the victim. Nobody chose it and nobody caused it.
4. Eating Disorders are not healthy or beautiful.
They are deadly. 1 in 5 people with Anorexia will die as a direct cause of their disease. Bulimia can cause lasting damages to ones throat, stomach, teeth, fingers and more. Binge Eating Disorder (BED) often leads to isolation, shame, and lasting health issues. Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) and Other Specified Feeding and Eating Disorder (OSFED) fill people with fear and make their victims miserable.
5. Eating Disorders don’t discriminate.
There is a stereotype that EDs only affect young, thin, middle class, white girls. But EDs don’t discriminate. They can affect anyone. No matter your sex, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, class, weight, age, etc.
6. Eating Disorders are not a phase.
You will not simply “grow out” of an ED. In fact, it’s the very opposite, the ED will simply get worse and worse if left untreated.
7. Eating Disorders are not shameful.
There is nothing taboo about deadly disorders, no one should feel shame for something they have zero control over.
8. Eating Disorders are not a specific look.
Sometimes, people think you have to look bony and emaciated to be struggling from an ED. This isn’t true, you can look anyway and your struggles are still equally valid and deserving of recovery.