Eating Disorder Awareness Week: Breaking the Stigma and Barriers in Care

Every year, Eating Disorder Awareness Week (held during the last week of February) serves as a crucial time to educate, spread understanding, and offer support to those affected by eating disorders. This week is a powerful reminder that eating disorders are not a choice, a phase, or a vanity issue—they are serious, complex mental health conditions. In fact, “Eating disorders remain one of the deadliest mental illnesses, second only to opioid addiction.” ¹                            

That statistic is both shocking and heartbreaking. But behind these numbers are real people—individuals who often struggle in silence due to the misconceptions and stigma that surround these illnesses. Too many people delay seeking help or fail to recognize the problem due to these myths. As someone who has lived through and recovered from an eating disorder, I know firsthand the shame, isolation, and harm they cause. That’s why I’m passionate about shedding light on the truth—because awareness is the first step toward change.

Common Myths About Eating Disorders

• Myth: Eating disorders only affect rich, white, teenage girls.

  Truth: Eating disorders affect people of all ages, races, genders, cultural backgrounds, and socioeconomic statuses. No one is immune.

  
  

• Myth: People with eating disorders always "look" sick.

  Truth: You cannot tell if someone has an eating disorder by their weight, size, or shape. Many individuals appear physically healthy while still struggling with a severe, life-threatening illness.

  
  

• Myth: Eating disorders are a choice—just about wanting to be thin and beautiful.

  Truth: Eating disorders are not a choice. They are complex biological, psychological, and social illnesses influenced by genetics, traits, and environmental factors.

  
  

• Myth: You can never fully recover from an eating disorder.

Truth: Full recovery is possible. With the right treatment and support, people can and do heal.

What You Need to Know About Finding Help

Seeking treatment can feel overwhelming, but understanding the right support system makes all the difference. Because eating disorders are complex illnesses, a multidisciplinary team is often required, including:

•  Medical provider –  monitors for medical stability.

•  Therapist – psychological support and treatment.

• Registered dietitian – nutritional guidance.

• Psychiatrist (if needed) –  medication management.

However, it’s crucial to know that not all healthcare providers are trained in eating disorders. Since eating disorders are a specialty field, professionals must pursue additional education after earning their degrees and licenses. Those with advanced training may earn the Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS) credential, signifying expertise in this area.

The Missing Piece: Real-Life, In-The-Moment Support

While clinical treatment is essential, real-life, daily support is often what helps individuals put recovery into action. This is where I come in.

As a Certified Eating Disorder Recovery Coach, I use both my personal recovery experience and professional training to provide:

• Day-to-day guidance and accountability between therapy and dietitian sessions.

• Hands-on support to help navigate meals, social situations involving food, and challenges in real time.

• Safe space and emotional understanding from someone who lived through it.

• Caregiver support to help families learn how to best support their loved one.

• Collaborate with therapists and dietitians to reinforce treatment goals.

Recovery is possible—and no one has to go through it alone. If you or someone you love is struggling, I’m here to help. 

Sonia Grafos

Coach/Educator/Advocate/Nurse

Certified CCI Eating Disorder Coach/ CCIEDC #1908

1. Arcelus, Jon et al. “Mortality rates in patients with anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders. A meta-analysis of 36 studies.” Archives of general psychiatry 68,7 (2011): 724-31. https://doi.org/10.1001/archgenpsychiatry.2011.74

DISCLAIMER: This post is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here. 

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