Eating Disorder Awareness on Social Media

The first step in recovering from any eating disorder is recognizing that there is a problem. For some, knowing the signs and symptoms to look for in themselves and others can be challenging. Add to that the misinformation and negative posts that seem to be in endless supply on social media and the journey toward healing can appear even longer.

However, when used responsibly as a tool for raising awareness and providing encouragement, social media can promote progress in the fight against eating disorders.

Know the Signs and Symptoms

While eating disorders may take on multiple forms, the signs and symptoms to watch for often overlap. Watch for some of these common characteristics if you have concerns about a loved one:

  • Thinking incessantly about their weight, food intake, calories, or body shape

  • Having a specific, limited list of acceptable foods, unusual rituals regarding food, or eating in secret

  • Mood swings, including isolation from others, or withdrawing from social outings

  • Recurring GI ailments with no apparent reasoning (i.e. cramping or diarrhea)

  • Obvious variance in weight, up and down

  • Feeling dizzy, faint, always cold, having trouble sleeping, feeling weak

  • Irregular menstruations

  • Jaundiced skin, brittle nails and hair, muscle fatigue


While these symptoms could be indicative of an eating disorder, there are other serious illnesses that often carry these signs, so seeking professional help is important and should not be ignored.

Dos and Don’ts of Positive Encouragement

When posting to social media or messaging a friend personally, choose your words responsibly. There is a right way and a wrong way to approach the subject, so take care that your first priority is to be a positive influence to those in your social media circle.

Consider the following list of ‘dos and don’ts’ of positive encouragement as you reach out to someone you are concerned about:

  • Do: Share your personal story (to the extent you feel comfortable)

  • Don’t: Shame others for their experience or berate them for not seeking help sooner

  • Do: Connect privately with someone you suspect is struggling

  • Don’t: Embarrass them by calling them out publicly in comments

  • Do: Listen to what is (and is not) being said

  • Don’t: Make assumptions about what is happening or what they are feeling

  • Do: Learn everything you can about the eating disorder your friend is experiencing

  • Don’t: Point the blame for their circumstances, possibly making them resistant to help

  • Do: Be kind, compassionate, and respectful

  • Do: Encourage body positivity and/or body acceptance

  • Don’t: Make comments about someone’s outward appearance (instead consider characteristics such as creative, bright, funny, intelligent)


A word of caution: posting on social media (even wholly positive encouragement) can open the door to negative-minded people. Be prepared to exercise self-protection to guard your own well-being, and to know the difference between the truth of your story and others’ poor attempt to drag you down. If you are committed to being a part of the solution in the fight against eating disorders, always put your own mental health at the top of your priority list.

Know Where to Turn When Help is Needed

Recognizing symptoms of eating disorders and encouraging others through the use of social media are great first steps in spreading awareness.

At Focus Integrative Centers Knoxville, we are ready to help you or your loved one start the recovery journey. Contact us today and let’s walk forward into a future of healthy tomorrows.

 

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Lauren Sterritt