Barriers & Mental Health — Breaking the Silence: Eating Disorder & Mental Health

Stigma and Shame

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Fear of being judged or misunderstood
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Belief that eating disorders are a “choice”

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Embarrassment about struggling
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 Leads to silence and delayed help-seeking

Media & Social Pressure

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Unrealistic body standards
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Comparison culture on social media
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Normalization of unhealthy behaviors
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Lack of Awareness Low Mental Health Literacy

Not recognizing symptoms as a serious issue

Misunderstanding what eating disorders look like

Thinking “it’s not bad enough” to get help

Limited Access to Treatment

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High cost of therapy or care
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Lack of nearby specialists
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Insurance limitations
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Mental Health Initiative for Eating Disorders

We created and included as an infographic an initiative to spread awareness and educate students and others on campus around the stigma and language that surrounds Eating disorders. This infographic initiative could be posted around campus as a flyer or poster around locations where these conversations may occur.