Stereotypes Around Eating Disorders

Stigma and discrimination have many adverse effects, including feelings of low self-esteem, fear, shame, and hopelessness. Some people who experience stigma or discrimination seem to be able to brush them off pretty easily, whereas other people are severely affected by it.

There is a stereotype that eating disorders only applies to privileged, appearance-obsessed women. This huge misconception exists which pushes the harmful notion that a great many others are not at risk. I have met people of a different race, gender, sexuality and personality with such eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia. Eating disorders do not discriminate. This is a complex mental health illness which can affect every one of different age, gender, race or even sexuality.

The ideal female body size has become progressively smaller over the past half-century. However, in reality, an average looking female body size has increased steadily, and rates of aberrant attitudes and behaviours surrounding food and weight have risen and tend to be much more common in many individuals. But did you know that pressure for body perfection is currently on the rise for men of all ages? Look around our modern culture, where media depictions of unhealthy masculine body ideals showing how unrealistic a female or male body shape appears like can cause unnecessary strain on vulnerable people that struggle for inclusion on the their appearances.

A continued lack of understanding and sympathy for men from eating disorders will always remain a barrier for some of them who need help. I believe that we must continue to address the ongoing gender bias around eating disorders so every man who is suffering feels comfortable to get help whenever they are ready to open up about their eating disorders to a professional. Addressing the gravity of eating disorder conditions to the society such as in schools or through advertisements in the media allows them to recognize the danger and triggers those struggling to get the help they need.

One of the most difficult aspects of eating disorders to grapple with is their stigma. Many sufferers feel that they are unable to share their struggles and bottle up their problems instead. As a society, we need to learn about the signs and dangers of eating disorders. This will enable us to identify those around us who may need assistance, even if just an appointment with a psychologist. A more informed individual is a more sensitive one. This allows individuals suffering from this disease to feel more comfortable opening up to us who is knowledgeable may promote them to get treatment from a professional instead.

Currently, a number of devoted individuals and organisations are promoting awareness of eating disorder, prevention, and eating therapy, and who have a passion for progressive change. As part of the community, we can assist to encourage beneficial change by engaging in one of the many advocacy organizations throughout the country, taking part in activities such as the National Eating Disorder Awareness Week.

This is the twenty-first century and we are encouraged to call for oppression, so why not stand up for those of us who have dealt with eating disorders? If we can call out someone as a racist or sexual predator, we should be able to call out for eating disorders to continue. So, when we see activities that contribute to the growth and perpetuation of eating disorder prejudice and eating disorder, we need to begin expressing our concern. Oppose anyone or anything that strengthens disordered ideas about food, exercise, and body image. If we occur to watch a TV show that glorifies thin models, switch it off and the opinions that produce cash for it are not supported. Or if we occur to be shopping and the brand that comes in very tiny sizes, stop shopping there. These are tiny acts that can help reduce unrealistic male and female images.

In any way, we decide to participate to promote awareness for eating disorders whether it being big or small creates a monumental change and this impact to play a significant role in the lives of both men and women who are fighting for their lives.

To conclude the essay, it is important to acknowledge an individual vulnerability to eating disorders. As we all know, not everyone who diets develops an eating disorder. This is a similar idea that not everyone who is faced with this system or pattern of consumption will develop an eating disorder, like bulimia. It is interesting, though, to look at the systems of eating that in our social worlds, and how these might be conducive to certain types of disordered behaviour. I also think this makes a great jumping-off point for exploring how challenging it might then be to recover from eating disorders in the face of normative 'abnormal eating.' I understand it's difficult to do many of these things, but starting small is essential to raising awareness of this disease. This associated with education about the various diseases, their symptoms, causes and rehabilitation journey is what can make eating disorders comprehended. Overall, I hope people suffering from this disease could dare to move past insignificant occurrences and posts and genuinely promote education to assist the community of eating disorder. This issue will only get worse as long as society continues to focus on looks and the body. We have to move away from their bodies every single focus.