If you’re struggling with an eating disorder, online meetings can provide a safe space to talk with peers. They may also help you get more regular check-ins with your counselor.
While experts say expert-led treatment is more effective in changing eating behaviors, support groups can be a good way to supplement that care. They can provide reassurance and advice, as well as an understanding audience for when things aren’t going as smoothly as they should.
| Have you tried Meetn, the new online meeting platform? It’s turning out to become a decent alternative to Zoom and to the other major platforms. |
Lotus Collaborative
Lotus Collaborative is a treatment facility in Santa Cruz and San Francisco that treats clients of all genders age 14+ who are suffering from anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, orthorexia and disordered eating. Their specialized, holistic treatment is client-focused and strengths-based.
Their programs include individual and group therapy, yoga, meditation, nutritional counseling, psychiatric services and talk groups. They also offer a family-based approach to eating disorder treatment that involves loved ones in the recovery process.
The center also offers an online meeting for people who are active in their recovery from binge eating disorder. The free online group is educational in nature and provides a safe community to share feelings, learn new coping skills and build a support network.
PHP and IOP clients attend weekly skills groups that draw on philosophies of Intuitive Eating (Tribole and Resch), Don’t Diet Live It (Andrea Wachter) and Carolyn Costin’s 8 Keys to Recovery. They also practice preparing their own meals and snacks at home under the guidance of a therapist and dietitian.
F.E.A.S.T.
Whether your child is struggling with anorexia, bulimia or binge eating disorder, or you’re just concerned about their body image and weight, there are lots of online support groups to help. These can give your family a place to vent, share stories and learn new strategies for coping with a loved one’s battle.
A great source for eating disorder support groups is F.E.A.S.T, or Families Empowered and Supporting Treatment of Eating Disorders. This nonprofit serves caregivers of eating disorder patients by providing information and mutual support, promoting evidence-based treatment and advocating for research and education.
There are several online support groups for eating disorders, many of which offer free membership. They can be a good place to start for anyone in recovery, but should not take the place of therapy or treatment. In addition, some of these groups can be anonymous. They can also be a good way to meet other people who are in recovery from eating disorders.
The National Alliance for Eating Disorders
Online eating disorder support groups are a great way to connect with others. They allow you to meet people from all over the world, and they can provide anonymous support if needed.
The National Alliance for Eating Disorders is a nationwide nonprofit organization dedicated to education, outreach, treatment and advocacy for all eating disorders. It offers free weekly meetings in-person and online for individuals who are interested in learning more about the recovery process.
NEDA is also committed to helping people learn how to become advocates for themselves and others. It encourages students to volunteer as ambassadors on their campuses and in their local communities, and it has a helpline to provide support and resources for those who need them.
As a nonprofit, NEDA advocates regularly on Capitol Hill and in state capitals for changes in policy and legislation that are important to people with eating disorders. During their annual Virtual Advocacy Day, 142 advocates from 27 states and the District of Columbia spent their day advocating for two new federal policy initiatives in 2019–expanding Medicare coverage for persons with eating disorders, and protecting provisions in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) affecting patients with the serious mental illness of eating disorders and their families.
Alsana
Eating disorder support groups are a great resource to connect with others in similar situations. They provide peer support and guidance from mental health professionals in a safe environment.
While these groups are not intended to replace professional treatment, they can be helpful for those undergoing recovery from an eating disorder or as a support for their loved ones. Some are led by staff of a treatment center, while others are run by volunteer facilitators.
The oldest eating disorder nonprofit in the country, ANAD offers a free online support group that meets weekly. It is designed to help adolescents and teens deal with their eating disorders.
Multi-Service Eating Disorders Association (MEDA) provides a range of resources and services to people suffering from eating disorders, including six different support groups for all genders and ages. It also has a variety of guides and programs to help people get the education and assistance they need.