If you are interested in online meetings for eating disorders, you’re not alone. There are a number of organizations offering them, including Morningside Chats, the Center for Discovery, and Alsana. Each has a different style of support, but all are confidential and available to anyone with an eating disorder. Below we’ll outline some of the best options for meeting someone with an eating disorder. These resources are not intended as a substitute for treatment, but rather as a safe place to discuss a wide variety of topics.
Morningside Chats
A weekly Zoom meeting for eating disorders is held by the founder of the Eating Disorder Treatment Collaborative, Sondra Kronberg. Morningside Chats provide an informal space for participants to engage with experts in the field. Guests share their perspectives, expertise, and stories. The anonymous environment of the sessions makes them an excellent option for informal support. Morningside Chats allow participants to be anonymous and discuss any issues that they wish to.
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Eating disorders can be just as harmful as substance use disorders. They can have a drastic impact on health and social life, but most people fail to seek help. Because of the stigma surrounding these illnesses, eating disorders are not widely recognized as a mental health problem. It’s a shame that many people don’t seek treatment. But there are support groups for people suffering from eating disorders online. The Morningside Chats online meetings help connect those suffering from an eating disorder to a supportive community.
18percent
The 18percent online meetings for eating disorders are a free way for individuals suffering from eating disorders to connect with other people in a similar situation. The group’s members are anonymous and can chat on Slack or a similar messaging program. The support available is peer to peer and is not clinically led. The online forum is moderated by volunteers who provide information and support for individuals struggling with eating disorders. There are also free support groups for those who have loved ones who are suffering from an eating disorder.
The Alliance for Eating Disorders offers support groups online that are both anonymous and open to the public. These groups are not meant to replace medical treatment, but rather to provide a safe environment for recovering individuals. Participants can join the group at any time. The meetings are held on a HIPPA-compliant video conferencing platform called Slack. There are no HIPPA issues with these groups. They are a good place to meet other people with eating disorders, no matter how far away you are from the closest meeting.
Center for Discovery
The Center for Discovery provides support and online resources for people dealing with eating disorders. The organization offers weekly and bi-weekly meetings, free to attend, and is open to people of all genders. While the meetings are intended for peer support, they are not a substitute for treatment. Participants are encouraged to share their experiences with other individuals affected by eating disorders. The Center for Discovery also offers its Recovery Road app for self-help. The app features a food log, goal tracking, and anonymous peer-support messaging.
One of the most popular services offered by the Center for Discovery is their support group. Support groups started as a single meeting for family and friends. These sessions have had a significant impact on individuals, maintaining personal mental health, and fostering ongoing community. The Center for Discovery’s online meetings for eating disorders feature licensed professionals, master’s-level clinicians, and practicum graduate students. Zoom support groups are also offered. They target young people who struggle with issues related to body image and self-worth, and are open to community members and clients’ support systems.
Alsana
The Alsana program offers residential, PHP/IOP, and virtual treatments for people with eating disorders. Its treatment is evidence-based and aligned with a unique model of care known as Adaptive Care. This approach integrates therapeutic and medical care to promote recovery. Adult clients of all genders and co-occurring disorders are welcome. The program’s online meetings are free and are conducted weekly.
The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness has support groups for individuals and families. The support groups are free, confidential, and open to anyone impacted by an eating disorder. However, they are not intended to replace medical treatment. Instead, they serve as a safe space for recovery and provide support for people who have been through a similar experience. The online meetings are held through Slack, an open community that is not HIPAA-compliant.
ANAD
The ANAD provides free peer-to-peer support groups through its website. These groups are designed for people with eating disorders or their family members. ANAD offers groups for all ages and for different populations, including adolescents, adults, and caregivers. Online meetings for eating disorders can be helpful for people recovering from anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorders. ANAD has free online support groups for various ages and populations.
Online meetings for eating disorders are not as effective as face-to-face meetings, but can help individuals in recovery. By sharing their experiences and personal stories, these groups give others a chance to find a common bond and help themselves overcome their challenges. Many people suffer from eating disorders without ever meeting anyone who has the same experiences. An online meeting can help these individuals find the confidence to continue the healing process. The OAED has over 450 support groups across the world.
Support in Recovery
If you are looking for a safe place to talk about eating disorders, online meetings can help. You can find groups that are open to both men and women and all ages. Support in Recovery groups have a community feel, and they are also nonjudgmental. Online meetings are also an excellent option for those who can’t attend in person. Support groups are an excellent way to talk about eating disorders, and they can also help you to find people in your community who understand your situation.
The National Association for Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders runs free online meetings. Sessions last 75 minutes, and you can access them on your own or with a guardian. Some groups also use video chat, but they aren’t HIPAA-compliant. For this reason, you might want to check with your insurance provider to see if they cover such meetings. Alternatively, you can also contact the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders directly.