Understanding Eating Disorders: 8 Essential Insights for Better Awareness

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Eating disorders are some of the most misunderstood—and often invisible—mental health conditions. At Creating Your Journey, we believe that education is a key part of healing. Whether you’re supporting a loved one or navigating your own recovery, here are eight important truths to know about eating disorders:

1. They’re Not Just About Food or Weight

Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions rooted in emotional pain, trauma, anxiety, perfectionism, or control—not simply about food or body image. The behaviors around eating are often just symptoms of deeper struggles.

2. They Don’t Have a “Look”

Eating disorders affect people of all sizes, races, genders, and ages. You cannot tell if someone is struggling just by looking at them. Many people with eating disorders live in bodies society deems “normal"—and their suffering is just as real. Anorexia nervosa is the least diagnosed out of all the eating disorders with than 6% classified as medically underweight.

3. They’re Not a Choice

No one chooses to have an eating disorder. Eating disorders are complex illnesses that develop for many reasons, ant they deserve understanding and compassion. These disorders develop through a combination of genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Be curious as to why the person with the eating disorder is engaging in the behavior, rather than trying to condemn it. 

4. They Have One of the Highest Mortality Rates of Any Mental Illness

Anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality rate per diagnosed individual among psychiatric disorders, and other eating disorders also carry serious physical and emotional risks. Early intervention and consistent support are critical for long-term recovery.

5. Diet Culture Can Fuel Disordered Eating

Our culture’s obsession with thinness, clean eating, and body “goals” often masks disordered eating as “healthy habits.” Messages that glorify restriction or shame bodies can be deeply harmful—and often go unnoticed or even praised.

6. Recovery Requires Personalized Care

Each person’s experience is unique, which is why personalized therapy is essential. At CYJ, we use integrative approaches—including trauma-informed therapy, CBT, DBT, IFS, art therapy, and HAES®-aligned care—to address each client’s specific needs.

7. Support Systems Matter

Recovery doesn’t happen in isolation. Whether it’s a therapist, family member, partner, or peer group, support is a vital part of the healing process. If your loved one is struggling, your empathy and patience can make a powerful difference.

8. Full Recovery Is Possible

Recovery is not linear, it is more like a messy roller coaster—but it is possible! With the right support, tools, and time, individuals can rebuild their relationship with food, their bodies, and themselves. There is hope. There is healing.

You Are Not Alone 💙

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, reach out. At Creating Your Journey, we offer compassionate, evidence-based care to help you reclaim your life, one step at a time.

📞 Make an appointment today with a therapist at CYJ 🧠 #EatingDisorderAwareness #RecoveryIsPossible #MentalHealthSupport #CreatingYourJourney