Support for eating or negative body image disorders
If you’re struggling with an eating disorder or negative body image, we encourage you to reach out for support. At the end of this article is a list of eating disorder helplines that offer free, immediate help.
We also worked with the National Eating Disorders Association on the following tips that may help you build body confidence.
Tip 1: Resist the pressure to judge yourself
- Examine your own thoughts and behaviors about food, weight, body image, health, and exercise.
- Recognize all the positive things your body does for you.
- Keep a list of the top five things you like about yourself.
- Know that your body is good enough.
Tip 2: Listen to your body
- Be aware of what your body needs for physical and mental well-being.
- Allow yourself to pause, relax, and unwind.
- Nourish your body with a variety of foods.
- Move your body in a way that makes you happy.
Tip 3: Take care of yourself
- Taking time to care for yourself is an important part of building positive body image.
- Share your concerns with a trusted friend, family member, or professional.
- Surround yourself with supportive people in person and on Instagram.
- Be selective about your social media use. Follow accounts that support positive body confidence and self-esteem.
Eating disorder helplines
For more information about or help with eating disorders, contact one of the eating disorder helplines below:
Argentina
Australia
- The Butterfly Foundation
- www.thebutterflyfoundation.org.au/
1800 33 4673
emailsupport@thebutterflyfoundation.org.au
Canada
- National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC)
- www.nedic.ca
- Online Chat: Monday-Thursday 9am-9pm EST, Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday and Sunday 1pm-7pm EST
- https://www.instagram.com/the_nedic/
The Middle East
- Middle Eastern Eating Disorder Association
- https://www.meeda.me/
United Kingdom
- beat (beating eating disorders)
- www.b-eat.co.uk
United States
- National Alliance on Eating Disoders
- www.allianceforeatingdisorders.org
You can also contact one of the organizations in our list of helplines for suicide and self-injury.
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