Eating disorders can be extremely isolating. This makes sense when you consider that these illnesses thrive in secrecy, and so they protect themselves by cutting people off from others. But the good news is that the reverse is also true: connecting with others can help weaken the eating disorder and support recovery. Eating disorder support groups help those who are struggling make these connections, and can be a tremendously powerful part of treatment. Read on to learn more about the benefits of support groups and how to find one that works for you.
What are Eating Disorder Support Groups?
First, let’s define what we mean when we talk about eating disorder support groups. Essentially, the term refers to any group of people who meet to support one another through eating disorder recovery.
It’s important to note that eating disorder support groups aren’t a replacement for eating disorder treatment; usually, someone will attend support groups as a way to enhance and support their recovery journey. Sometimes support groups are included as part of a treatment program, while others are standalone. Groups can also be a helpful resource for people who have completed treatment but still want some ongoing support.
There are lots of types and formats of eating disorder support groups. For instance, support groups can be:
- Virtual or in-person
- For the patient or the patient’s loved ones
- General or focused on a specific topic
- Moderated or not moderated
- Participation required or no participation required
- Frequent or infrequent
If you’re considering joining an eating disorder support group, you’ll want to take into account all of the factors above and think about what kind of group would best support you and your needs.
Benefits of Eating Disorder Support Groups
Support groups can be hugely beneficial for people who are affected by eating disorders, as well as their loved ones. Below is a breakdown of some of the specific ways that these groups can support recovery and healing.
Increased Engagement and Motivation
Research shows that eating disorder support groups measurably boost motivation and engagement in treatment. Eating disorder treatment is hard, and there can be moments when both patients and loved ones feel discouraged or hopeless. In support groups, you’re able to connect with others who may have overcome obstacles you’re currently facing, and who can serve as living proof that recovery is possible. You can also share your struggles and talk them through with people who get it, which can make everything feel more manageable.
Reducing Isolation and Shame
Eating disorders do a very good job of isolating people, and those struggling with these illnesses often feel a deep sense of shame. In this way, hearing from others who may be thinking similar thoughts or engaging in similar behaviors can make a huge difference. In fact, at least one study showed that support groups significantly helped reduce stigma and isolation among adults in eating disorder treatment.
Learning Practical Skills
Disordered behaviors are often coping mechanisms, and so recovery involves learning new skills and strategies to deal with difficult situations or feelings. While you can learn these skills in therapy sessions, it can often be even more helpful to hear about them from someone who has put them to use themselves. In support groups, people often share how they were able to use certain skills or strategies in real-life situations, and these concrete examples can be really helpful to people who are struggling. You can also share things that you’re having a hard time with, and get advice from others on skills that might help.
Support for Loved Ones
Supporting someone through eating disorder treatment is challenging. Without adequate resources, friends and family can feel isolated, burnt out, and overwhelmed—and support groups can help combat this. By talking with others who know what you’re going through, you’ll not only feel understood and less alone, but also get actionable advice by hearing what worked for other people supporting loved ones. Research shows that support groups provide loved ones with an opportunity to connect with others who understand their experience, and measurably improve parents’ relationships with their children.
Post-Discharge Support
The recovery journey doesn’t end when a person is discharged from treatment. Often, people still need some ongoing support to stay on track and connected with their recovery mindset, especially in those first few months. Support groups can offer a low-pressure, high-value way to keep your recovery strong after you’ve officially finished treatment.
Getting Started with Eating Disorder Support Groups
Whether you’re in eating disorder treatment, post-treatment, or supporting someone through recovery, eating disorder support groups can be a valuable resource with many benefits. Below are a few options to consider.
Equip’s Support Groups
Equip is a virtual evidence-based eating disorder treatment program. They offer two different free, recurring support groups that you can learn more about and join here.
- Pre-Admissions Group: A group to learn more about Equip treatment and ask questions in a casual, informational setting.
- F.E.A.S.T. Group: Co-hosted by F.E.A.S.T., this group is for those supporting someone through an eating disorder to learn more about how they can best help their loved one.
The Alliance’s Support Groups
The National Alliance for Eating Disorders offers a variety of different support groups, both in-person and virtual. Below are some examples of groups offered, and you can explore all available groups here.