“When it comes to eating disorders, or any mental illness, the struggle is primarily internal. Eating disorders can cause weight gain, weight loss or they can have no effect on weight at all. And all these eating disorder diagnoses are valid; one does not have to “look sick” to be struggling.”
Dually Addicted: Eating Disorders often Co-exist with Substance Abuse
Breaking the Stigma Around Eating Disorders, One Story at a Time
“The truth about eating disorders is more complex, more fascinating, and far more serious than most people realize. But those who have recovered realize it. Recovery gives us a golden opportunity to tell this truth, to voice our stories, and to break the stigma that surrounds one of the most disabling illnesses of our times.”
Stigmatization of Eating Disorders
Gina Dimitropoulos’s paper for Canada’s National Eating Disorder Information Centre highlights some great information on the distorted perceptions held in public and professional spheres, the consequences that these negative attitudes can have for individuals experiencing eating disorders, and tips for challenging internalized stigma and stigma in the public, professional, and family roles.
Busting the Myths About Eating Disorders
“There are many myths about the causes of eating disorders, how serious they are, and who develops an eating disorder.” This list from the National Eating Disorder Association outlines some of the most common questions and distorted perceptions around eating disorders and the facts to set them straight.
Social Media: A Double Edged Sword for Combating Stigma
We live in a world where our personal use of social media has the potential to impact hundreds of people- for better or for worse. This DP Original article explores how social media can both be a tool for raising awareness and perpetuating stigma through misinterpretation, no matter how well-intentioned our post may be.
#MyYoungerSelf
In response to Child Mind Institute’s #MyYoungerSelf challenge in May 2018, “actors, athletes, social influencers, businesspeople and more sent messages of hope about their experience growing up with a mental health or learning disorder.” Although their May 2018 campaign focused on prominent role models, their campaign continues today, including video responses from people everywhere!
From Homeless to Community Advocate, Paul Nickels is Driven to Help People in Need
This previously homeless peer advocate keeps a website of resources for local members of his New Jersey community who are experiencing problems with mental health, addiction, low income and homelessness. By making sure his community members know where to go for resources, Paul Nickels is fighting the stigma and distorted perceptions around mental health, homelessness, and addiction. Click the title for the full article on his project from TapInto.net or visit https://hrgmediaorg.wordpress.com/ to see it in action.
My Friendship With A Heroin User Showed Me Just How Judgmental I Was
The Double Stigma: Homelessness and Alcoholism
This article takes a look at how common distorted perceptions around addiction have evolved into “three basic schools of thought on alcoholics and homeless shelters” centered around the idea of “wet “ or “dry” shelters (whether or not participants are allowed to seek shelter while intoxicated). The article also touches on harm reduction, housing first, and sample goals/ viewpoints from organizations providing each. A great introduction to the conversation around treating homelessness and addiction! Click the title for the full article from The Fix.