Trigger warning: This article is about eating disorders and some people may find it distressing. If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, please visit the Beat charity website for support.
According to the charity, Beat, approximately 1.25 million people in the UK have an eating disorder, 25% of which are male. What’s more, eating disorders are responsible for more deaths per year than any other mental health condition and are unfortunately becoming increasingly common.
If we’re to tackle the stigma surrounding eating disorders, education is key. That’s why we’ve teamed up with mental health CIC, WarriorKind, for Mental Health Awareness Week, to educate people on appropriate language.
Why is language important?
Language is important because we know, from research, that words are a barrier to people seeking help when they need it, as well as a motivator for making discrimination acceptable.
So, with that in mind, we’ll discuss some commonly used remarks and how best to approach the subject in a different, more sensitive way.
Don’t Say
‘Just eat normally’.
Why?
What may be heard: You’re not trying hard enough, it’s not difficult to eat, it’s your fault, you need to get over this.
How can you help?
Firstly, try to understand that eating disorders are not a choice but are severe mental illnesses that the person needs support with. It is important to acknowledge to the person that you know it’s difficult for them, and you are there to support them.
Don’t Say
‘You look well’
Why?
What may be heard: You look fat, you have gained weight, you’re greedy, you’re healthy now so things are easy for you.
How can you help?
Any comments to do with your loved one looking “healthier” or “better” are often taken to mean they have put on weight. Instead of commenting on their physical appearance, try to ask the person how they are or compliment something about your loved one that is unrelated to their body such as an item of clothing or an accessory.
Don’t Say
‘I wish I had your control’.
Why?
What may be heard: You are lucky to have an eating disorder, you are in control of the illness, it’s a good thing to be obsessive with food, weight and shape.
How can you help?
Avoid commenting on the eating disorder as if it is the person’s choice. Instead, recognise meal times, in particular, are difficult for them and offer your support.
Don’t Say
‘I wish I had your body’.
Why?
What may be heard: You are lucky to have an eating disorder, you are just doing this to look a certain way, you need to keep doing the disordered behaviours.
How can you help?
Try to avoid discussing your own weight and shape in front of your loved one as it can be unhelpful for them to hear. Instead focus on topics away from body image, food or exercise.
Now, that’s not an exhaustive list of dos and don’ts, but hopefully, it offers some helpful guidance about how to swap words for better ones.
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