If you’ve found yourself worrying about your relationship with food or feeling uneasy about your body, you’re not alone. Recent statistics indicate that eating disorders are on the rise in Australia, affecting people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. But here’s the thing: understanding what’s going on and knowing that help is available can make all the difference.
What Do the Numbers Say?
According to the National Eating Disorder Collaboration (NEDC) the number of people impacted by eating disorders has increased by 21% over the past 10 years. An estimated 1.1 million Australians are currently living with an eating disorder.
Social Pressures and the Influence of Media
We live in a world where images of “perfect” bodies are everywhere, from social media feeds to TV shows. It’s almost impossible not to compare ourselves to these ideals. You might find yourself scrolling through social media and wondering why you don’t look like that fitness influencer or other influencers and celebrities you follow. This can lead to a strong drive to change your body, often in unhealthy ways.
But here’s the truth: those perfect images are just that—images. You don’t know if they have been photoshopped or how much time and effort went in to taking a particular shot. They don’t tell the full story of someone’s life or the struggles they might have. It’s important to remember that your worth isn’t tied to a number on the scale or the size of your jeans. Everyone’s body is different, and that’s something to be celebrated, not compared.
The Role of Mental Health
If you’ve been feeling more anxious or down lately, you’re not alone in that either. Mental health conditions like anxiety and depression more often than not co-occur with eating disorders. For some people, changing their body size can feel like the path to making themselves feel better in the world. But unfortunately, dieting can be a slippery slope to an eating disorder, and this can make symptoms of other mental health concerns worse. Eating disorders often thrive in secrecy, making you feel isolated and alone. But the reality is, many people are experiencing similar struggles. It’s okay to reach out and ask for help—doing so is a sign of strength, not weakness.
You Don’t Have to Go Through This Alone
Maybe you’ve noticed a change in your eating habits, or your feelings about food and your body have become more complicated. Perhaps you’re constantly thinking about what you’re eating, and how you’d like to change your body. You might even be noticing that you are withdrawing from other important parts of your life because of how you are feeling about your body. But acknowledging these feelings is the first step toward taking back control.
At Myrtle Oak Clinic, we understand how tough it can be to face these feelings. It might seem easier to just keep going, hoping things will get better on their own. But taking that first step toward getting help can lead to the support and guidance you need to start feeling like yourself again.
Our team of trained and experienced psychologists and dietitians specialise in treating eating disorders and are here to help you navigate these challenges. We offer a compassionate, non-judgmental space where you can talk about what you’re going through and work on a plan that’s right for you. If you find that an eating disorder, disordered eating behaviour, or poor body image is having a negative impact on your life, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
