*CW* Mentions of eating disorder behaviors.
Millions of people are hiding an eating disorder every day.
Despite affecting nearly 29 million Americans over their lifetimes, the majority never receive treatment, resulting in a heartbreaking loss every 52 minutes.
People with eating disorders often become experts at hiding their struggles. They might avoid eating in front of others, make excuses to skip meals, or hide food wrappers to cover their tracks. But hiding isn’t the answer. It only keeps people trapped in their pain.
Monte Nido recently launched a national branded awareness campaign called “Hidden,” dedicated to acknowledging the silent struggles endured by millions hiding their eating disorders.
“Eating disorders have an immense and profound impact on our culture, regardless of whether we see the suffering we know so many Americans experience,” said Cassie McLean, Chief Executive Officer of Monte Nido. “At Monte Nido, we are committed to changing the dialogue for those living with or at risk of an eating disorder, because no one should have to fight this alone.”
A person hiding takeout food containers in their car, a teenager doing sit ups next to their bed, and another one wiping tears away in front of the bathroom mirror, the campaign shows common behaviors of those silently grappling with eating disorders. Also visible in the campaign is the fact that eating disorders do not discriminate. Individuals across all genders, ages, races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and sizes can be impacted by this insidious disease.
“We live in an environment that is constantly talking about body image and weight loss medications, often without regard for the irreparable damage this language can cause,” said Melissa Spann, PhD, MBA, CEDS-C, Chief Clinical Officer at Monte Nido. “We hope this campaign will spark conversations and empower those who are living with an eating disorder to ask for the help they need and deserve. Recovery is possible at any age with the right treatment and support.”
Monte Nido’s collaboration with advertising agency, Arnold Worldwide, on this campaign is a pivotal step in harnessing the power of creative marketing to ignite conversations, challenge harmful norms, and drive meaningful change.
At Monte Nido, we understand the multifaceted nature of eating disorders and recognize the importance of providing tailored support that honors everyone’s unique journey. Our comprehensive approach encompasses evidence-based treatment, compassionate care, and a commitment to fostering a supportive community where individuals feel understood, valued, and empowered to embark on the path to recovery.
Reaching out for help is the first step toward recovery. Together, we can shine a light on the hidden struggles of eating disorders, cultivate empathy and understanding, and empower individuals to seek the help they deserve.
Check out the “Hidden” campaign landing page at www.montenido.com/hidden/ and share if you think someone you care about could benefit from seeing it and knowing they do not have to suffer in silence.
Monte Nido is a leading provider of eating disorder treatment, offering inpatient, residential, day, and virtual treatment programs. Delivering clinically comprehensive, research-backed treatment to adults and adolescents of all genders within a healing and affirming environment, we believe recovery is possible for everybody. Founded in 1996, our expert staff of eating disorder professionals deliver compassionate care, breakthrough outcomes, and long-term recovery for our clients. Monte Nido operates 50 programs and in 28 states virtually across their family of programs: Monte Nido, Monte Nido Walden, Monte Nido Rosewood, and Monte Nido Clementine.