Video Transcription

Disordered eating: changing our relationship with food and body image

In this video, we talk about disordered eating and challenging topics that may bring up strong emotions or thoughts for some people.

We can all experience ups and downs with our eating from time to time. These patterns often come and go, but for some people, they can become a serious problem.

Disordered eating refers to when someone has irregular eating behaviours, but it may not reach the level of a diagnosed eating disorder like anorexia or bulimia. It can include lots of different behaviours, such as being very focused on food, not eating enough, binge eating, over-exercising, or vomiting.

Disordered eating isn’t just about food. It’s driven by things like emotions, how we think and feel about our body, and seeking out control. Factors like family history, use of alcohol or other drugs, low self-esteem, perfectionism, social media pressure, and stress can also play a role.

Experiencing disordered eating can be really tough on both our physical and mental health. If you’re having problems with disordered eating or body image, it’s important to know you’re not alone, and support is available.

The first step is talking to a trusted adult who can help you seek professional support. It can be a good idea to see a GP who can support your physical health while helping you access the right mental health services. And remember, you don’t need to look or feel sick to need help.

You may also want to reach out to friends and family or join a support group. If you’re worried about your eating habits, seeking help sooner rather than later is vital. It can help stop these challenges from sticking around and maybe getting worse.

Alongside professional help, here are some other helpful ways to begin changing your relationship with food and your body:

• Nourish your body: If eating feels difficult, it can be helpful to see it as fueling your body with energy to do things you love. Try to eat something every 3 to 4 hours throughout the day.
• Take time to do things that matter to you: Disordered eating sometimes distracts us with unhelpful thoughts, leaving less time for things we love. Make time for activities you find fun and fulfilling, whether it’s hanging out with friends, reading, listening to music, or learning a new skill.
• Change your environment: If your social media feed makes you feel bad or overly focused on food and your body, you can take control of your algorithm by tapping “Not Interested” on the content. If you often find yourself in situations with friends who talk a lot about food, exercise, or body image, suggest a change of topic or spend more time with different people.
• Challenge negative thoughts: Keep a journal and jot down any negative thoughts you might have. Then shake things up by challenging those thoughts and adding positive affirmations. Remind yourself that you’re a unique individual, and your worth does not come from how you look.
• Be kind to yourself: Changing behaviours, thoughts, and feelings linked to disordered eating can be challenging and take time. Some days will be easier than others, and it’s okay to stumble along the way.

Remember, you are not alone, and getting help early matters. It’s your journey, so be gentle with yourself. Practice self-compassion and celebrate even the smallest wins.

To learn more about disordered eating and how to seek support, visit headspace.org.