Popular Myths about Eating Distress Sufferers

Myth
People who suffer with ED are attention-seeking. They are vain, selfish, self-absorbed and manipulate people around them.
Fact
They are extremely caring people who do not believe in their qualities. They crave the approval of others more than the average person. They have a great need to please people, but often go about it the wrong way.

Myth
They are selfish and self-obsessed.
Fact
They have no sense of self. Their self-esteem is often below zero and their self-harming behaviour is the only way they can communicate and voice their existence.

Myth
People with ED must come from dysfunctional families.
Fact
The main reason for ED is super-sensitivity and society changes. Blaming families brings about more guilt and is extremely counter-productive and harmful. Families are over-blamed in ED theories. If they were properly coached they could save lives.

Myth
They don’t want to grow up.
Fact
They don’t know how to grow up.

Myth
Eating disorders are contagious.
Fact
ED symptoms only become apparent as a result of suffering from within, not
outside Influences.

Myth
Sufferers should just pull themselves together.
Fact
They cannot do so without help.

Myth
It’s the result of trauma; sexual, emotional, physical abuse.
Fact
It’s the result of a very complex set of experiences in the supersensitive
person’s life.

Myth
Only 60% fully recover.
Fact
Full recovery is possible for everybody.