You Are Not Alone
If you or someone you know is struggling with eating habits, body image concerns, or emotional stress related to food, help is available. Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions, but recovery is possible with the right support.
Talking to a trusted adult, guardian, school counselor, or healthcare professional can be an important first step toward getting help.
Signs Someone May Need Support
Some warning signs that someone may be struggling include:
- Sudden changes in eating habits
- Avoiding meals or eating around others
- Excessive focus on body weight or appearance
- Rapid weight changes
- Withdrawing from friends or activities
These signs do not always mean someone has an eating disorder, but they may indicate that additional support could be helpful.
National Support Organizations
National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)
Provides education, support tools, and resources for individuals and families affected by eating disorders.
Website: nationaleatingdisorders.org
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Offers mental health education, family support, and community resources.
Website: nami.org
Mental Health America (MHA)
Promotes mental health awareness and provides tools for understanding and addressing mental health challenges.
Website: mhanational.org
Immediate Support
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Provides free and confidential support from trained counselors 24/7.
Call or text: 988
Website: 988lifeline.org
School and Local Support
School Counselors
School counselors can help students talk through emotional challenges and connect them with additional resources if needed.
Healthcare Professionals
Doctors, therapists, and mental health specialists can provide guidance, treatment, and recovery support for individuals experiencing eating disorders or other mental health concerns.
How Guardians Can Help
Guardians can play an important role in supporting adolescents by:
- Creating a safe space for open conversation
- Listening without judgment
- Encouraging healthy habits and self-esteem
- Seeking professional help when needed
Building trust between adolescents and guardians can make it easier for teens to talk about challenges before they become more serious.
Final Message
Seeking help is a sign of strength. Support from trusted adults, professionals, and mental health organizations can make a meaningful difference. No one should have to face these challenges alone.
Recommended Reading & Media
1. Help Your Teenager Beat an Eating Disorder — James Lock & Daniel Le Grange
This book is designed for parents and guardians and explains how families can support teenagers struggling with eating disorders using evidence-based strategies and family support methods.
Why it’s helpful:
- Gives practical steps for families
- Focuses on recovery and communication
- Written by medical professionals
2. When Your Teen Has an Eating Disorder — Lauren Muhlheim
A guide for parents that explains warning signs, treatment options, and how families can support teens through recovery.
Why it’s helpful:
- Clear explanations of eating disorders
- Practical strategies for supporting teens
- Easy to understand for families
3. Perfect Girls, Starving Daughters — Courtney E. Martin
This book explores the social and cultural pressures that contribute to eating disorders, especially among young women.
Why it’s helpful:
- Explains why eating disorders develop
- Connects body image pressure to society and media
- Raises awareness about prevention
4. The Body Image Workbook for Teens — Julia V. Taylor
An activity-based workbook that helps teens develop a healthier relationship with their bodies and challenge harmful body image beliefs.
Why it’s helpful:
- Interactive exercises
- Helps teens build self-confidence
- Encourages positive body image
5. Letting Ana Go — Anonymous
A young adult novel written as a diary that follows a high school student struggling with anorexia and the emotional pressures surrounding body image.
Why it’s helpful:
- Shows the emotional impact of eating disorders
- Helps readers understand the struggles teens may face
- Encourages empathy and awareness
6. Kim: Empty Inside — Beatrice Sparks
A story about a teenage gymnast dealing with anorexia and bulimia while struggling with self-esteem and pressure to succeed.
Why it’s helpful:
- Gives insight into how eating disorders develop
- Highlights the role of pressure and self-image
- Written in a diary style that feels relatable to teens