Eating Disorder Support: Understanding, Compassion, and Help

Originally posted in 2022 by Mind Meld Psychotherapy (MMP) | Updated and reposted by OSO Wellness

Eating disorders are serious, complex mental health conditions, not lifestyle choices. They affect how individuals think, feel, and behave around food and their bodies—and they can have life-threatening consequences.

Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder are some of the most common diagnoses. These conditions may involve restricting food intake, binging, purging, or obsessing over food, weight, and body image.

At OSO Wellness, we want to help dispel the harmful myth that eating disorders are merely about vanity or willpower. The reality is stark: eating disorders have one of the highest mortality rates of any mental illness. Many deaths are due to medical complications from malnutrition or purging behaviors. The second leading cause of death is suicide.

How to Support a Loved One with an Eating Disorder

Support begins with education and empathy. If someone you care about is struggling, here are a few ways to offer meaningful, nonjudgmental support:

• 🤝 Listen without assumptions. Let your loved one talk about their experience and emotions. Avoid trying to “fix” things quickly—simply being present is powerful.

• 🧠 Avoid conversations about diets, body image, or weight. Even well-meaning comments can reinforce disordered thinking. Instead, focus on health, energy, and emotional well-being.

• 🪞 Model a healthy relationship with food and movement. Your behaviors can demonstrate what balanced, intuitive eating and self-care look like—without pressure or shame.

• 🧘‍♀️ Care for your own mental health. Supporting someone through recovery is challenging. You’ll be most effective if you’re grounded, supported, and not carrying the emotional weight alone.

Encouraging Treatment and Getting Help

It’s common for individuals with eating disorders to deny the severity of their condition or feel afraid to seek help. But early intervention greatly improves the chances of recovery.

If you notice someone obsessing over food, calories, or weight—or if they frequently skip meals, disappear after eating, or show signs of emotional distress around food—it’s okay to express concern.

Let them know that help is available and recovery is possible.

Immediate Support

For crisis support, text NEDA to 741741 to connect with trained professionals 24/7.

If you or a loved one is ready to talk to someone about treatment options, OSO Wellness is here to provide affirming, trauma-informed care that supports the mind and body together.

📌 Disclaimer: This blog post is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health or medical advice. For individualized support, please contact a licensed provider.