A Journey Through Eating Disorders Support & Recovery

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that can affect anyone. A wide variety of factors can influence how a person may develop an eating disorder, from biological to cultural. Food insecurity, or a person’s lack of access to adequate food of sufficient quality, is one such factor that can have immense impacts on the development and persistence of an…

Alexia Davis, a family mentor at Equip, says she knew something was wrong with her loved one who was in eating disorder recovery when certain hallmark symptoms reappeared over the holidays. “Signs that alerted me to my family member relapsing were going back to old coping skills or habits, such as isolating and limiting their food choices,” Davis says. “I…

Mental health is a lifelong journey of self-care, regardless of whether you’re a teenager navigating school and relationships or an adult managing work, family, and life pressures. Practical self-care strategies can be incorporated into your routine to help you stay emotionally and mentally balanced. Mental health challenges rarely exist in isolation. Too often, people focus on just one area of…

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is often mistaken for “picky eating” but involves severe food avoidance or restriction. This condition often flies under the radar during childhood, so many adults remain undiagnosed. ARFID in adults includes inflexible eating patterns, fear-based food restrictions, and sensitivity to food textures or appearances. Causes vary, including biological, genetic, psychological, and sociocultural factors. Adults with…

Anyone who has ever lived with an eating disorder likely understands the fact that illnesses like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder (BED) rarely exist in a vacuum. That means eating disorders are often accompanied by other psychiatric and medical conditions, including everything from anxiety to cardiac problems. While depression is one of the most common conditions to…

How to Use Labs to Detect and Treat Refeeding Syndrome The use of labs in the identification and treatment of refeeding syndrome offers insight into what electrolytes and substances are abnormal and how deficiencies need to be addressed. Refeeding syndrome is a potentially fatal shift in fluids and electrolytes, caused by hormonal and metabolic changes that occur in a malnourished…

Exercise and movement can be an important aspect for maintaining our wellbeing. Just as nourishing our bodies with food, wearing sunscreen, and visiting the doctor are part of personal care, so is moving our bodies. Whether it’s sports, fitness classes, gardening, or going for a morning stroll, exercise can nurture our mobility while jumpstarting the production of positive brain endorphins…

If you're recovering from an eating disorder, work with your treatment team to determine when it’s appropriate to incorporate mindful movement and exercise back into your routine. If appropriate, reintroduce physical activity gradually and mindfully. Begin with gentle movement and avoid triggering activities, like using technology to track exercise. Exercise should be enjoyable, not depleting. For athletes, reintroduction should be…

Gideon Whitehead says he’s struggled with ARFID for as long as he can remember. Because many people aren't aware that ARFID in adults even occurs, this was often isolating. “As an adult, I've felt secluded with my diagnosis. I tried a lot of things to hide it from those I loved,” he says. Whitehead, who is a peer mentor at…

The holidays usually fill our lives with joy, cheer, and the spirit of unity. They typically include times for celebration, enjoying feasts, and expressing gratitude. However, for those on a recovery journey from eating disorders, the holiday season might present a unique set of challenges. The holiday season is usually characterized by an emphasis on food, festivities, and occasionally, stressful…