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What would our online world look like if users centered their content on helping people experiencing an eating disorder and striving to live in recovery? Could we imagine scrolling through our social media feeds to see that body diversity is honored and was a space that respected our individual autonomy, without caring about the number of likes we received due to the shapes of our bodies?
Imagine the freedom we would have!
While we are far from these things becoming a reality for us as a collective, we can take measures in our online consumption and communities to create a safe space where body respect reigns and diet culture remains on the outside looking in.
If you stand in solidarity with those recovering from an eating disorder and you are connected with those individuals via social media, here are a few ways to create a positive online environment that shows your support.
Mind Your Language
You may not even realize it, but you could find yourself using language that carries the hierarchy of what bodies are accepted or rejected in society. Explicit terms like “body goals” or more subtle language around “dressing for your shape or size” can undermine the body positive strides that many people are trying to advocate for.
Additionally, you may end up using language about bodies that does not fully convey how you feel at the moment. For example, saying things like “I feel fat” is an unhelpful and harmful way that people communicate feelings of inadequacy or undesirability. Instances such as these are fatphobic and send messages to others that suggest fat bodies are devalued and underappreciated.
To remedy this, examine the language you use (ideally, before you publish it) and mindfully replace it with words that better demonstrate what you really mean. Changing language to create a more inclusive space will undoubtedly help those recovering from eating disorders feel welcome.
Mind Your Pictures
What makes social media unique is that you can share just about anything. Pictures of our activities, special events, outfits, new hair-all of these things can definitely be harmless and typically are. However, with the pressures in media to appear a certain way, pictures have also been a site of much scrutiny. Before-and-after pictures are typically a method used to celebrate the appearance of someone after a big change. When it comes to bodies, weight loss is unfortunately at the center of this.
Making a safer space in online communities for people recovering from eating disorders includes contemplating the message that before-and-after photos send to those who are working through accepting their “after” body, which may be larger than the one they had before. What message is being sent if the “after” photo is being praised in comparison to its “before?” Should a person’s personality be reduced to simply what they look like? Of course not! As you start to mind your language, also mind your photos to make sure you are not perpetuating behaviors that make it hard for those who are walking in the path of recovery.
If You See Something, Say Something
Perhaps the most active thing you can do online as an advocate for those in recovery is to speak up for others. Speak up by unfollowing pages. Speak up by addressing biases seen with weight and appearance. Speak up by writing blogs, sharing posts, or even signing petitions. These actions may not be without confrontation but using your voice can be empowering and even be a light to others. Don’t be afraid to take up virtual space and share your truth!
Creating Healthy Environments Benefit Us All
The questions at the beginning of this article posed a reality that would no longer place value on bodies in a way that would shun those who do not meet a certain standard or ideal. By committing ourselves to these small practices, we create positive and safe spaces for ourselves and especially our loved ones in recovery. We may not have reached the point where society at large is willing to accept these things but when one of us commit to doing such, others will follow.
Creating nonjudgmental spaces of body acceptance will benefit not just those who are in recovery but many who have recovered and others who may never have experienced the toll of an eating disorder. By caring for those who have the greatest need first, we will ultimately satisfy the needs of everyone.
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At Center for Discovery, we are proud of the legacy we’ve built that has helped thousands of patients, adults and teens of all genders, in eating disorder recovery. Unlike other programs, our unique and successful approach takes treatment into real-life settings. Our evidence-based and trauma-informed treatments give our patients the coping skills and encouragement they need to navigate Real Life Recovery®. In our care, patients learn how to nourish their bodies in a way that is satisfying, supportive and intuitive. Our methods are non-judgmental, inclusive and Health At Every Size®-minded. We give our patients a hands-on experience – from grocery shopping and meal prep to cooking and eating in a home-like setting – so that they can apply what they’ve learned outside of our centers. Family plays an active role in our patients’ process, too. Loved ones participate in family therapy sessions, therapeutic family meals and support groups so transition back home for our patients feels natural. These core elements help our patients leave engaged, empowered and transformed so that they can manage long-term recovery.
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If you’re a VEST member struggling with anything, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Care Center for support!
You can find access to the Care center by downloading the VEST Care app and entering your organization code. Email us or talk to your HR department to get this code if you don’t already have it.
If you have any questions about how VEST can help you improve your culture and provide your employees with the emotional resources they need through our Proactive-EAP, don’t hesitate to contact us at (385) 205-6789 or go@vesteap.com.
We are here to help!
Disclaimer: VEST content is not therapy and is not designed to diagnose or treat any condition you may be experiencing. Please contact a medical or mental health professional for treatment that is specific to your needs.
