Eating disorders can affect anyone. In fact, nine percent of Americans will experience an eating disorder in their lifetime. Recovery from an eating disorder can be challenging, but with access to care and support, recovery is possible. One helpful tool for eating disorder recovery can be  support groups. This article will share with you what a support group may look like, help you understand what to expect, and even connect you to the support that you or a loved one may need. 

What Is an Eating Disorder?

An eating disorder is a complex, biopsychosocial illness characterized by persistent changes in behaviors related to food and eating. These behaviors often occur with negative thoughts and emotions regarding body shape/size and food/eating. Eating disorders can have grave impacts on both physical and mental health. Many people who experience eating disorders also struggle with other mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).

Signs and symptoms of eating disorders can look different for every individual. Symptoms may vary depending on the particular diagnosis, family history, and/or environmental or cultural influences. It is important to recognize the symptoms of an eating disorder to help identify any concerns in yourself or a loved one and seek the necessary support. 

Health complications of eating disorders can include gastrointestinal issues, cardiovascular issues, organ dysfunction, infertility, and osteoporosis. Many individuals experiencing eating disorders may also experience psychological health impacts as well. These may include feelings of shame, self-harm, substance use, depression, or anxiety.

Eating Disorder Support Groups

There are many important tools to help the eating disorder recovery journey. From inpatient treatment to outpatient therapy, there are many levels of care that your care team can help you find. One incredibly valuable tool for treating eating disorders can be a support group. 

What Is an Eating Disorder Support Group?

A support group is often a gathering of people who are experiencing similar events in their life. For those struggling with an eating disorder, they may experiencing feelings of loneliness and isolation. An eating disorders support group can connect you to a community who understand your struggles and can support you on your path to recovery.

Types of Support Groups

There are many different kinds of support groups and it is important to find one that allows you to feel seen and understood. There are condition-specific support groups for those struggling with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and more. Support groups can be dedicated to specific demographics, such as LQBTQ+ and people of color, offering individuals an opportunity to connect with others within those communities.

The National Alliance for Eating Disorders offers a wide variety of eating disorder support groups, both in person and virtually. Utilizing the search tool can help you find the specific support group that is right for you. These support groups include:

• Pro-Recovery Support Groups (offered 6 days each week)
• Larger Bodied Individuals Support Group
• LGBTQ+ Pro-Recovery Support Group
• BIPOC Pro-Recovery Support Group
• Friends & Family Support Group
• Support Group for Individuals in Fashion, Beauty, + Entertainment (Monthly)
• Support for Individuals who have Lost a Loved One (Monthly)
• Several in-person support groups located in Florida, New York, Delaware, and Indiana

Eating disorder support groups at the National Alliance for Eating Disorders are free of charge and led by licensed and specialized therapists.

Support Groups for Loved Ones

Even if you’re not experiencing an eating disorder yourself, it can be challenging to support a loved one who is suffering from an eating disorder. Support groups are not only for those who have eating disorders, but also for their loved ones. The National Alliance for Eating Disorders offers support groups for friends and family members of those experiencing eating disorders, as well as a support group for those who have lost a loved one to an eating disorder. These groups offer a safe and understanding space for loved ones undergoing similar experiences and challenges that can be associated with supporting an individual with an eating disorder. Surrounding yourself with caregivers and loved ones who understand your situation can help you feel connected, empowered, and part of a community. 

What to Expect From an Eating Disorder Support Group

Every support group will provide a unique experience for those in attendance depending on a variety of factors such as the specific type of group, different group dynamics, and in-person versus online support groups. Oftentimes, support groups are led by peers of the group instead of clinicians such as a therapist or dietitian. At the National Alliance for Eating Disorders, every support group is led by trained therapists who specialize in eating disorders. This helps the group stay as safe as possible, while also allowing group members to connect to a community of people with similar struggles. Most of the time, support groups do not follow a specific curriculum or programmatic arc. Support groups are often open-ended opportunities for group members to address their recovery journey. An eating disorder support group can be a non-judgmental, safe space for group members. Group facilitators may moderate conversation to ensure that every individual feels safe, supported, and connected.

Whatever eating disorder support group you choose, you will find a community of supportive, empathetic individuals who understand and accept you. This sense of community can be an important tool in combatting the loneliness and isolation that so often accompany an eating disorder. Support groups can be a key tool in the path of eating disorder recovery. 

Benefits of a Support Group

The benefits of eating disorder support groups can be tremendous. It is important to note that support groups are not a substitution for individualized eating disorder treatment. These groups are designed to complement ongoing individual therapy (part of the treatment team). With that said, The Alliance fully recognizes the inequities of access to care, and understand that for many individuals they will never receive the treatment they need and deserve.

Support groups can help individuals learn tools to help cope with the negative thoughts and emotions surrounding eating disorders. They can also create a sense of togetherness that can be an important aspect of recovery.

Overall, studies have found that eating disorder support groups significantly reduce the negative impacts of an eating disorder, connect patients with care at a greater rate, and improve interpersonal interactions.

Seek Help

If you or a loved one is experiencing an eating disorder, you are not alone. Recovery is possible and help is available with the National Alliance for Eating Disorders. Call the helpline today at 1-866-622-1235 or visit their support group search tool for more information.