Eating Disorders: How to Get Help, What to Know, and Why You’re Not Alone

February 24, 2026 The Big Silence

A National Eating Disorders Awareness Week Guide from The Big Silence

National Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2026 is February 23 - March 1.

Last week on The Big Silence podcast with Dr. Wendy Oliver-Pyatt we learned that eating disorders are a mental illness, and an incredibily deadly one. Eating disorders claim one life every 52 minutes in America—making them the second deadliest mental illness.

Eating disorders are not about willpower. They are not about vanity. They are not about “just food.” During National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, we want to break the silence around what so many are silently struggling with.

At The Big Silence, we’ve had powerful, honest conversations with experts and survivors about eating disorders — conversations that remind us of one truth:

Healing is possible. And help is available.

The Hidden Epidemic

According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), millions of Americans will experience an eating disorder in their lifetime. In fact, about 9% of Americans will experience an eating disorder. Eating disorders also have one of the highest mortality rates of any psychiatric illness. Only about 27% of people with an eating disorder received treatment. Stigma keeps people silent and prevents healing.

Eating disorders affect people of all genders, ages, races, body sizes, and socioeconomic backgrounds. They are not a “look.” They are not a stereotype.

There is help and support available! Johanna Kandel, the founder and CEO of the National Alliance for Eating Disorders, has dedicated her career to unveiling that commonly misunderstood fact. Eating disorders are biologically-based brain illnesses. They are genetic in nature, and they are absolutely serious mental illnesses.

Some of the most common include:

Anorexia nervosa – Restriction of food intake, intense fear of weight gain, and distorted body image.
Bulimia nervosa – Cycles of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors like purging or over-exercising.
Binge eating disorder – Recurrent binge eating without purging, often accompanied by shame and distress.
Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) – Restrictive eating not driven by body image, but by sensory sensitivity, fear, or lack of interest in food.

Warning Signs to Look For

Eating disorders can be subtle. Some red flags may include:

Obsessive thoughts about food, calories, weight, or body shape
Extreme dieting or rigid food rules
Avoiding social situations involving food
Frequent trips to the bathroom after meals
Rapid weight changes
Compulsive exercise
Increased anxiety, depression, or isolation

If you’re noticing these signs in yourself or someone you love, early intervention matters.

If You Love Someone with an Eating Disorder

Avoid commenting on their body or food choices
Express concern from a place of care, not control
Educate yourself
Encourage professional help
Be patient — recovery is not linear

Your presence matters more than perfect words.

How to Get Help

If you’re struggling, here are immediate steps you can take:

1. Talk to Someone You Trust

A friend, family member, partner, therapist — breaking the silence is the first step.

2. Seek Professional Support

Look for:

A licensed therapist specializing in eating disorders
A registered dietitian trained in eating disorder recovery
A medical provider to monitor physical health

Higher levels of care may include:

Intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
Partial hospitalization (PHP)
Residential treatment

3. Use Trusted Resources

National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) – Screening tools and support
National Alliance for Eating Disorders – Referrals and support groups, including a free call line
If you are in immediate crisis, contact 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.

Find more resources in The Big Silence Resource Guide.

Listen & Learn

We invite you to explore our conversations with eating disorder experts and recovery advocates on The Big Silence podcast. These episodes offer education, compassion, and real stories of hope.

Because awareness is important and helps lead to healing!

The Mental Illness Nobody Talks About - with Dr. Wendy Oliver-Pyatt
Disordered Eating, Weight Loss Drugs, Pandemic Fallout and Toxic Media with NAED's Johanna Kandel
Find Food Freedom! Identifying Emotional Wounds and Embracing Self-Love with Erin Treloar
Finding Good Grief: Tallulah Willis on Growing Up in Public, Redefining Loss, and Trusting Yourself
The Sign That Saved Her Life: Actress and Producer Sarah Gillman on Survival and Breaking Silence
Creating a Better Relationship Between Food and Body with Yovanna Mendoza
Sasha DiGiulian on Climbing to New Heights, Facing Fears, and Cultivating Mental Strength
Breaking the Food Addiction Stigma, Navigating Grief, and Embracing the Strength Within You with Tamara Walcott