The Oxford dictionary defines self image as, “The idea one has of one’s abilities, appearance, and personality.”1
But is appearance is tied to ability and personality?
In a media saturated world—I believe many of us are struggling with an image matter—which I would define as an unhealthy view that one’s own worth, value, and identity being first defined by physical appearance.
But what if you are more?
Studies have shown that image matters are rampant. Many individuals who struggle wrestle with confidence, self-esteem, or negative self-talk. Some individuals pair negative thoughts with harmful behaviors. When those behaviors become habit—this might be defined as an eating disorder.
This does not mean all individuals who struggle with an image matter have an eating disorder.
But if you are one of the 30 million people of all ages and genders suffer from an eating disorder in the U.S.(2), I want you to know you are not alone.
No matter the severity of your behaviors or thought patters, I want you to know my team and I are rooting for you.
The thoughts in your head and heart may be sourced from a legitimately sourced desire, yet allowing an image matter to hold the pen of your story is not your final fate.
I believe you have what it takes to shift the incomplete story of an image matter towards truth and discover an identity which goes beyond image.
What Is An Image Matter? - Video Discussion
What Is An Eating Disorder?
While the three top eating disorders remain Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge Eating Disorder there are several, disorders which are recognized by the American Psychiatric Association’s (DSM-5).
Whether common or rare, each of these conditions disrupt the lives of thousands. If you recognize these behaviors, we recommend seeking professional care.
Healthline.com helps us to understand the fact each of these issues are about more than food. They state that each of these are “complex mental health conditions that often require the intervention of medical and psychological experts to alter their course.”3 These conditions include:
Anorexia Nervosa
Characterized by restrictive habits in an effort to lose weight along with a misconception of one’s physical appearance, no matter their weight level.
Bulimia Nervosa
Characterized by eating large amounts of food often followed by purging that food from the body.
Binge Eating Disorder
Characterized by eating large amounts of food, without purging behaviors.
Rumination Disorder
Characterized by regurgitation & re-swallowing.
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder
Characterized by purposefully avoiding or restricting food intake.
Purging Disorder
Characterized by purging behaviors without binging.
To learn more about the signs and symptoms, we recommend the following article on www.Healthline.com and their article found here: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/common-eating-disorders
Or visit HelpGuide.Org at https://www.helpguide.org/home-pages/eating-disorders.htm
What Is An Eating Disorder? - Video Discussion
How Many Individuals Struggle?
30 million people of all ages and genders suffer from an eating disorder in the U.S.(2)
The most common eating disorder in the United States is binge eating disorder (BED). It is estimated that 3.5% of women, 2% of men, and 30% to 40% of those seeking weight loss treatments can be clinically diagnosed with binge eating disorder.4
40-60% of elementary school girls (ages 6-12) are concerned about their weight or about becoming too fat. This concern endures through life.(5)
Eating Disorders Clinical and Research Program at Massachusetts General Hospital, says that 40 to 60 percent of high school girls in the U.S. are dieting and 13 percent are purging.(6)
91% of women who were surveyed on a college campus had tried to control their weight by dieting, and 22% of them dieted “often” or all the time. (7)
The Butterfly Foundation in Australia reported 40% of people experiencing Binge Eating Disorder are men.8
What Are The Warning Signs?
The National Eating Disorders Association explains the signs and symptoms of several eating disorders in the below video:
Due to the intricate nature of multiple Eatind Disorders, for a listing of warning signs and symptoms, please see:
https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/learn/by-eating-disorder/anorexia/warning-signs-symptoms
Additionally, if you or someone you care about are seeking a tool in order to determine if it is time to reach out for professional help, consider utilizing the National Eating Disorder Association’s Screening Tool, available here:
https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/screening-tool
Apps Which Offer Support
TalkLife offers online support similar to group therapy. Share anonymously or with your name.
Moodpath offers 14 days of check ins, providing an overview of your emotional well-being. Plus 100+
exercises.
Happify includes games and activities which elevate mood and build resilience through CBT, mindfulness and positivity.
What’s Up aids individuals in discovering the cause of feelings and thoughts though guided questioning.
Self-Help For Anxiety Management (SAM) offers an anxiety toolkit which tracks thoughts and behaviors, while also offering tools to combat negativity.
Panic Relief provides coping strategies, exercise, and breathing techniques to help move through a moment of panic.
PTSD Coach provides ways to understand PTSD along with how to find additional help.
BeyondBlue App provides tools to build and implement a safety plan.
Communities Which Offer Support
NEDA’s Network of Support Groups
https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-support/support-groups-research-studies
Regionally searchable, local support groups.
To Write Love On Her Arms -
https://twloha.com/find-help/
Extensive, geographically based options for free or low cost counseling, support groups, therapy options and more. Simply type in your zip code for access to options.
The Butterfly Foundation -
https://thebutterflyfoundation.org.au
Offers online support, education, and relatable stories for men battling eating disorders.
Catalog Of National & International Support
https://anad.org/education-and-awareness/online-resources/eatingdisorderorganizations/
Offers a global range of support pages, offering a diversity of resources for common and unique concerns.
Eating Disorder Support Center -
http://edrcsv.org/free-online-support-groups/
Offers community support for individuals who struggle and separate support groups for family members.
NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group
https://www.nami.org/Find-Support/NAMI-Programs/NAMI-Connection
Offers peer-led support groups for a range of mental health struggles.
Safety Plan Resources
If you struggle beyond an image matter, and find yourself facing a range of additional struggles, know there are safety plan resources available for those too. Some of these include:
Suicide Prevention Lifeline – Safety Plan Template.
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Brown_StanleySafetyPlanTemplate.pdf
1 page safety plan print off with space to write in warning signs, coping strategies, and more.
Get Self-Help
https://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/docs/SafetyPlan.pdf
Offers a second safety plan print off, with tools and resources from the UK.
Therapist Aid
https://www.therapistaid.com/therapy-worksheets/suicide/none
Offers free worksheets for building a self-harm safety plan, suicide assessment, and warning signs.
Nick’s Experience With Using A Safety Plan
https://youtu.be/jW2Hvv_vN40
One young man’s story of how he uses a safety plan in times which feel challenging.
Resources for Parents
How To Help Someone With An Eating Disorder
What Mia Did Next
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbIB2W2kZus
Mia gives her firsthand advice on what did and did not help her during her recovery process—and how you can support someone you care for.
Promoting Health Body Image In Your Children
https://raisingchildren.net.au/pre-teens/healthy-lifestyle/body-image/body-image-teens
Offers ways to influence your child’s body image in a positive way, along with what signs to look for if you are concerned for your child.
Guys Get Eating Disorders Too
https://thebutterflyfoundation.org.au/understand-eating-disorders/guys-get-eating-disorders-too/
Provides education on how image matters present themselves for males—along with firsthand accounts.
5 Signs Your Teen Might Have An Eating Disorder
Mayo Clinic
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZpMT8dvqE0
Offers 5 signals to look for—in under a minute.
How I Survived Anorexia
BBC Three
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZpMT8dvqE0
Jodie, her mom, and her friend discuss Jodie’s struggle and recovery from Anorexia—including how Jodie felt split into two person, and then learned how to be whole.
National Eating Disorder Association Screening Tool
https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/screening-tool
NEDA’s website states this tool is, “appropriate for ages 13 and up — can help determine if it’s time to seek professional help.”
Warning Signs And Symptoms: National Eating Disorders Association
https://youtu.be/nJMtReAg1DI
Explains the signs and symptoms of several eating disorders.
What’s Eating You? A Workbook for Teens with Anorexia, Bulimia, And Other Eating Disorders by Tammy Nelson PhD
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1572246073
Provides insight combined with short, actionable prompts to build a circle of support, tools, and healing resources.
What Is My Identity? Sadie Robertson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kL2bXmfquw
Sadie asks three questions to viewers to help them form the foundation of their identity, with a faith-based point of view.
Support For Families
NEDA’s Network Of Support Groups
Regionally searchable, local support groups.
The National Alliance On Mental Illness has a directory of support groups for you and your family.
The Society For Adolescent Heath And Medicine has a comprehensive listing of additional support options.
Family Caregiver Alliance provides a map of network help in your area.
Resources For Ministry Leaders
The Truth About Eating Disorders
Focus On The Family
https://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/the-truth-about-eating-disorders/
Offers a comprehensive overview of firsthand accounts of survivors and their families. Includes Scripture and advice to move towards recovery.
6 Biblical Counseling Resources On Eating Disorders
https://www.rpmministries.org/2019/05/6-biblical-counseling-resources-on-eating-disorders/
A list of 6 books which offer educational insight and encouragement for those who struggle and those who care for them.
Combating Eating Disorders With The Gospel Of Grace
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/eating-disorders-and-the-power-of-christ/
One woman’s story—and her discovery that grace and the Gospel offered the freedom she was searching for.
An Open Letter To Those Who Struggle—From A Preacher’s Kid Who Struggled
https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/an-open-letter-to-my-friends-struggling-with-eating-disorders
An honest account of wrestling between an eating disorder and finding faith. Includes specific Scripture which sparked the shift in the author, along with 5 keys for those who struggle today.
Deadly Eating Disorders: What Youth Leaders Need To Know
https://www.youthworker.com/articles/deadly-eating-disorders-what-youth-leaders-need-to-know/
An overview of Eating Disorder Warning Signs and what you can do to be there for students.
Women’s Ministry Toolbox
https://womensministrytoolbox.com/disordered-eating/
Provides a collection of resources for faith communities seeking to minister to girls and women who struggle with eating disorders.
Project Light Ministries
https://www.projectlightministries.com/sts-resources
Offers a sisterhood of community support for women who struggle.
How to Build Education, Understanding & Community Around Someone Who Is Struggling Life.Church
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xF3kXLz2MQs
Offers a roundtable discussion of how to be supportive of someone who struggles.
Tips For Students – How To Talk About Mental Health
https://www.mhanational.org/time-talk-tips-talking-about-your-mental-health
Includes several prompts which help students get started with beginning an important conversation, including a letter template. Can be utilized as a means for helping young people frame the discussion.
Resources For Teachers
What’s Eating You? A Workbook for Teens with Anorexia, Bulimia, And Other Eating Disorders by Tammy Nelson PhD
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1572246073
Provides insight combined with short, actionable prompts to build a circle of support, tools, and healing resources.
Tips For Talking About Your Mental Health
https://www.mhanational.org/time-talk-tips-talking-about-your-mental-health
Includes several prompts which help students get started with beginning an important conversation, including a letter template. Can be utilized as a means for helping young people frame the discussion.
Resources For Men
Guys Get Eating Disorders Too
https://thebutterflyfoundation.org.au/understand-eating-disorders/guys-get-eating-disorders-too/
Provides education on how image matters present themselves for males—along with firsthand accounts.
Braiden’s Story—A Guy’s Discussion On Bulimia
The Butterfly Foundation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmIgVXvw_VI&feature=youtu.be
Braiden shares his firsthand journey towards seeking recovery.
MLB Star Overcomes His Eating Disorder
Uninterrupted
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awlLNvTH6PA
Seattle Mariners Catcher shares his struggle and journey to wholeness—along with insights from the documentary, “Uninterrupted.”
Millstone – Documentary About Eating Disorders In Men
Florence Pellacani
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRim224xFjE
A collaborative efforts of numerous survivors, sharing their stories and search for recovery.
Heads Up Guys
https://headsupguys.org/mens-depression/suicide/
Site offers male-specific action steps.
Man Therapy
https://mantherapy.org
Site uses humor to discuss difficult topics.
Face It Foundation
https://www.faceitfoundation.org
Provides guidance to overcome depression
Your Head: An Owner’s Manual PDF Resource
Printable PDF filled with resources and tools for those wanting to learn more about male mental health issues.
References
1. Self-Image: Definition of Self-Image by Lexico. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.lexico.com/en/definition/self-image
2. Hudson, J. I., Hiripi, E., Pope, H. G., & Kessler, R. C. (2007). The prevalence and correlates of eating disorders in the national comorbidity survey replication. Biological Psychiatry, 61(3), 348–358.
3. Petre, A. (2019, October 30). Learn about 6 common types of eating disorders and their symptoms. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/common-eating-disorders
4. Hudson, J. I., Hiripi, E., Pope, H. G., & Kessler, R. C. (2007). The prevalence and correlates of eating disorders in the national comorbidity survey replication. Biological Psychiatry, 61(3), 348–358.
4.1 Binge Eating Disorder. (2018, February 22). Retrieved from https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/learn/by-eating-disorder/bed
5. Smolak, L. (2011). Body image development in childhood. In T. Cash & L. Smolak (Eds.), Body Image: A Handbook of Science, Practice, and Prevention (2nd ed.).New York: Guilford.
6. Collins, M. E. (1991). Body figure perceptions and preferences among pre-adolescent children.International Journal of Eating Disorders,10(2), 199-208.
7. Interview validation of survey data. Journal of Psychiatric Research. 1995
8. Guys get eating disorders too. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://thebutterflyfoundation.org.au/understand-eating-disorders/guys-get-eating-disorders-too/
9. Mirror-Mirror. Eating Disorder Statistics. (n.d.). Retrieved February 27, 2020, from https://www.mirror-mirror.org/eating-disorders-statistics.htm
Comments