What is it really like living with an eating disorder? During these difficult times it is no surprise that people are struggling to cope. There are so many common misconceptions making it hard for people to seek and accept help, which is why disordered eating is such a prevalent issue at the moment. Is there anything we can do about this?
Diagnosable eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS). Anorexia is characterised by extreme under-eating, while binge eating is the opposite. Bulimia involves a cycle of bingeing and purging, which may include making oneself sick, using laxatives or exercising excessively. There are so many myths about these disorders, influenced by their misrepresentation in the media. Anorexia is often glorified and romanticised in movies and TV shows, which may be what is causing the development of these misconceptions.
A lot of people believe that eating disorders are a choice, and that if the individual so chooses, they can ‘snap out of it’ anytime they want. However this is not the case, and often the issue goes much deeper than just anxiety or body image. There are so many more factors which may contribute to the development of an eating disorder, and during this pandemic, people are feeling as stressed as ever, searching for ways to cope with their changing environments.
At the beginning of the first lockdown, supermarket shelves were bare as people began to panic buy. Empty supermarkets could have caused people with a history of disordered eating to feel anxious, as they developed the mindset that food was running out. It may have become an excuse to justify restrictive eating. Being stuck at home on their own would have meant that nobody noticed any new disruptions to their eating habits, so they may have continued. Eating disorders often thrive in isolation, as most individuals feel guilty and ashamed of their behaviour, so attempt to hide it from loved ones.
It is no question that everyone is struggling during this time, so what can we do to help if we know someone with a history of disordered eating? Firstly, stay in contact with as many people as you can: you never know who may need a call. Try to offer a (metaphorical) shoulder to cry on and try to listen to what people have to say. Speaking to just one person can make all the difference in the world sometimes, so maybe reach out to people if you’re worried. Remember that an eating disorder doesn’t define someone, and it often goes much deeper than what you may assume.
