Eating Disorder Support Groups

Eating disorder support groups can be immensely beneficial to the recovery process, providing increased access often at reduced cost. Even so, the content and running of these groups are rarely regulated, making it challenging to find the group and medium that is ethical and effective. Read below to learn more about how to navigate finding the eating disorder support group that is best for you.

What to Expect in Eating Disorder Support Groups

Support groups are similar to group therapy, however, there are key differences that set them apart. To begin, support groups are often non-professional, meaning they are not led by a therapist or clinical professional. Instead, these groups are led by the members of the group. This often leads to closer connection and increased openness as participants recognize that those around them have been, or are going through, similar struggles.

Support groups also differ from traditional therapeutic groups in that they are often non-material in that they do not follow a specific curriculum. Some may follow specific belief systems or utilize source material, however, the groups themselves are often not focused on a particular “lesson” and more free-flowing opportunities for members to discuss where they are in their journeys.

Eating disorder support groups allow individuals pursuing recovery or struggling with an eating disorder to discuss their journey in a non-judgmental and understanding space. Often, individuals with eating disorders struggle with shame and stigma associated with their beliefs and behaviors, making it difficult to reach out for help and often leading to isolation and not seeking support. Those in support groups can speak to their struggles knowing they are surrounded by others that understand the nuances of the disorder.

Benefits of Support Groups: How Important Are They for Treatment?

Eating disorder support groups can be a hugely beneficial component of the recovery plan when used in conjunction with treatment team services such as individual therapy, psychiatrist services, and dietetic support.

Even so, the lack of regulation of these groups can create concerning dynamics. Without a leader that is bound by ethical requirements of their profession, accountability becomes more challenging. For this reason, it is not uncommon to encounter some support groups that are actually more harmful than helpful. These groups may be individuals still in their illness and could be knowingly or unknowingly fixated on disorder more than recovery. Be aware of the content and messaging of any support group you attend and don’t be afraid to say a group is not for you or seek another community if one feels it may be triggering to you.

The Role of Support Groups in Eating Disorder Recovery

One of the most important factors of support groups is the connection it provides. Having a safe space to openly discuss your struggles and being around others doing the same helps individuals to feel less alone in the challenges they face. As bereavement specialist Joanne Cacciatore states, “There simply is no pill that can replace human connection. There is no pharmacy that can fill the need for compassionate interaction with others…the answer to human suffering is both within us and between us.” Eating disorder support groups provide this connection for individuals that have been longing to feel seen, understood, and supported.

Support groups also allow an opportunity for autonomy in the eating disorder recovery journey. As individuals undergo eating disorder treatment, the level of care they are in and subsequent programs they attend are often dictated by treatment professionals and insurance companies. Support groups attendance is often free and there are many, giving each individual the opportunity to choose the group that suits them and their recovery best without being told where to go or their choice being dictated by finances or insurance coverage.

As one study notes, “benefits of support groups include coping with disease, obtaining specialist knowledge and improving personal relationships [1].” These groups don’t only provide an outlet for processing but also offer an opportunity to absorb the skills and lessons learned by others. Additionally, individuals can learn to practice self-compassion as they experience the compassion and empathy of others. Many report that providing non-judgmental caring for others helped them learn how to give the same care to themselves.

Benefits of Support Groups for Family Members of Eating Disorders

Family members and loved ones of those with an eating disorder can benefit from support groups for many of the same reasons above. Supporting a loved one through the struggle of disordered eating, treatment, and recovery is both a daunting and isolating experience. Support system members often report that they do not know how to talk about their experience, they don’t feel that others truly understand, and that they feel lost in how to even provide this support. Support groups provide a space to explore all of these thoughts and feelings.

Support groups for loved ones also allow them the opportunity to openly and honestly discuss the emotions of resentment or bitterness that they may feel ashamed to process. It is natural to struggle with these feelings when your life, and the life of someone you love, becomes dictated by a disease. However, many often feel guilty expressing this frustration with their struggling loved one, as they don’t want them to feel blame or shame about their disorder. Support groups are understanding of these conflicting emotions and allow space for them to be expressed so that they don’t lead to deeper resentment and negatively impact their relationship with their struggling family member.

Related Reading

• What is an Eating Disorder?
• Night Eating Syndrome
• Eating Disorders in Athletes

In-Person vs. Online Eating Disorder Support Groups: Which is Right for me?

Online support groups have become more common throughout the last 10 years and even more so since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Many acquire therapy, medical, and psychiatric support virtually these days and are asking themselves if this is as effective as in-person treatment. The same questions are arising for support groups.

The benefits of online eating disorder support groups involve increased accessibility not only due to cost but due to timing of meetings as well as locations. More meetings can be scheduled virtually and more individuals can attend without having to worry about transportation to-and-from. Additionally, more subgroups based on specific populations can be created in the unlimited timing and resources of the internet. For example, a group can be created for single parents of a child with an eating disorder or single parents struggling with an eating disorder themselves. This increases the likelihood of finding connection and increased support from those that are relatable to the individual’s situation.

Cons to online treatment include the lack of in-person connection, which many believe to be less impactful. Engaging in groups over the internet involves a level of detachment that allows individuals to be less present and possibly less emotionally invested in the moment with their peers. For some, this detachment might feel more comfortable because they struggle with social anxiety. For others, it might feel too disconnected.

Regardless of overall pros and cons of online support groups, the important thing is to learn what works for you. Notice your emotional and mental response to the groups you try-out, recognizing those that provide you with feelings of comfort, safety, and empowerment versus those that might feel “off” or even triggering. Recognize that committing to a support group does not mean you cannot attend other groups or change your mind if the group no longer serves you. Support groups offer incredible flexibility, use that to your advantage to find a community that supports your growth and recovery.

Resources

[1] McCormack, A., Coulson, N. S. (2009). Individuals with eating disorders and the use of online support groups as a form of social support. Cyberpsychology: Journal of Psychosocial Research on Cyberspace, 3(2), Article 5.

Author: Margot Rittenhouse, MS, LPC, NCC
Page Last Reviewed & Updated on October 28, 2021 by Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC