1. don’t judge someone based on thier weight (imagine working hard to lose 40 pounds and still being judged because youre still over weight)
2. don’t make someone feel guilty for eating or the amount (you don’t know how much they’ve eaten that day… that week, this could be their first meal in a long time, don’t spoil it)
3. don’t automatically assume the goal is to be “skinny” (weightloss, self harm, punishment… so many reasons some one may decide to starve or purge)
4. don’t define the severity of a person’s ed based on their weight or gender or skin color or age or sexual orientation (it can happen to anyone)
5. people with eating disorders are aware that it’s damaging, no need to remind us or try to make us guilty (we already are dealing with enough guilt)
6. forcing someone to eat doesn’t make you a better friend or parent (eating disorders are more than just about food or weight, its so much more)
7. for some people eating disorders are their “thing”, or their hobby… for some (like me) it gives the new day a purpose, it gives us a goal to achieve (i can’t sing, can’t dance, the only thing that makes me “special” is my ed)
8. losing weight is a instant but short euphoric feeling that gives us gratification and gives a feeling of accomplishment and pride (i have nothing else to look forward to other than losing weight)
9. it’s not a choice, and we lose more and more control the longer we have an ed (it’s scary and surprising how many unhealthy habits become normal… skipping meals, body checking, weighing several times a day, sadness)
10. for some people eating disorders are a coping mechanism, for others its a slow form of suicide, educate yourself about eating disorders and mental health before judging someone.
