Client Quote #51: pressure

I think we can all believe that those who love and care for us have good intentions. However, when all of us grow up with a narrow perspective of what health looks like, being “healthy” can feel like a cage. The dominant view on health seems to be fixated more and more on a thin body, a meticulously curated diet, a rigid exercise routine, and a denial of existence in authenticity. 

Having a conversation with our loved ones about what health means to you can be important in letting them know how they can support you. More than often our own distress with our bodies can cause panic for those around us wanting to fix our distress. If a child is terrified of weight gain, their parents may succumb to helping them diet in an innocent attempt to reduce their fear, even if it’s accidentally creating space for the ED to grow. 

If you notice there is pressure from your community that creates tension with your relationship with food, it’s time to have a conversation around your needs and boundaries. And you can do that with the support of your ED team.