Ariel Walsh, Author at Prosperity Eating Disorders and Wellness Center

The Overlap Between Anxiety, Depression, and Eating Disorders

by Ariel Walsh | May 1, 2025 | Body Image, Eating Disorder Treatment, Eating Disorders, Mental Illness, Recovery, Stigma

Mental health struggles rarely happen in isolation, and eating disorders are no exception. Research shows that the majority of individuals with eating disorders also experience co-occurring conditions like anxiety and depression. These overlapping challenges can complicate the recovery journey, making it even more important to address the whole person, not just their relationship with food.

At Prosperity Eating Disorders and Wellness Center, we recognize that true healing means understanding and treating every layer of an individual’s mental health. This Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re shedding light on the critical connection between anxiety, depression, and eating disorders—and how integrated, compassionate care can pave the way to lasting recovery.

The Strong Link Between Eating Disorders, Anxiety, and Depression

Studies consistently reveal a significant overlap between eating disorders and other mental health conditions.

According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD), over 70% of individuals with eating disorders have at least one other mental health condition, most commonly anxiety or mood disorders. According to research conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety disorders commonly co-occur with eating disorders, affecting:

47.9% of adults with anorexia nervosa
80.6% of adults with bulimia nervosa
65.1% of adults with binge-eating disorder

This connection is not just statistical—it is deeply personal for those who live it. Anxiety and depression can both fuel disordered eating behaviors and be intensified by the effects of an eating disorder, creating a difficult cycle that can feel hard to break.

Common ways anxiety and depression intersect with eating disorders include:

Using restrictive eating, bingeing, or purging as a way to manage anxiety or a low mood temporarily.
Feeling intense guilt, shame, or fear around eating or body image
Experiencing hopelessness, worthlessness, or isolation, deepening both depressive symptoms and disordered eating behaviors
Engaging in perfectionistic thinking, rigid routines, or avoidance patterns that maintain both disorders

Without addressing the underlying mental health symptoms, treating only the surface-level eating behaviors may not lead to full, lasting recovery.

Why Integrated Mental Health Care Matters

At Prosperity, we believe that effective eating disorder treatment must go beyond food and body concerns. It must also support emotional regulation, address trauma histories, build self-worth, and help clients develop healthy coping mechanisms.

An integrated approach means:

Therapists and dietitians work collaboratively as part of each client’s treatment team
Anxiety, depression, and other co-occurring concerns are assessed and treated alongside eating disorder symptoms
Clients receive evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and exposure-based interventions
The emotional roots of the eating disorder—such as perfectionism, fear of judgment, trauma, or loneliness—are explored and processed in a safe, supportive environment

This holistic care helps clients not only reduce harmful behaviors but also heal emotionally, reconnect with their values, and build resilience for life’s challenges.

How Anxiety and Depression Can Affect Eating Disorder Recovery

When left untreated, anxiety and depression can make recovery from an eating disorder more difficult in several ways:

Increased Relapse Risk: Depression can sap motivation and hope, making it difficult to stay engaged in recovery.
Amplified Fear and Avoidance: Anxiety may heighten food-related fears and reinforce avoidance behaviors.
Isolation: Both anxiety and depression often lead to social withdrawal, weakening vital support systems and leaving individuals more vulnerable to disordered thoughts.

However, when anxiety and depression are actively addressed within the recovery process, clients often experience:

Greater emotional stability
Stronger coping skills
More positive and compassionate self-talk
Increased hope and motivation to continue progressing in recovery

At Prosperity, our goal is to help each client build a lasting recovery that supports not just freedom from eating disorder behaviors, but greater emotional and psychological well-being overall.

How Prosperity Eating Disorders and Wellness Center Supports Integrated Recovery

At Prosperity Eating Disorders and Wellness Center, we are committed to meeting each client where they are—with care that treats the whole person, not just the eating disorder.

Our programming is rooted in:

Weekly individual therapy sessions tailored to each client’s unique mental health needs
Weekly nutrition counseling grounded in a non-diet, Health At Every Size® (HAES®)-aligned approach
Group therapy sessions that focus on intuitive eating, coping skills, body image, anxiety management, and self-compassion
Trauma-informed care that prioritizes emotional safety and healing
A supportive, affirming community that fosters belonging and hope

We accept clients with all eating disorder diagnoses, including a separate track specifically for individuals struggling with Binge Eating Disorder.

Whether you’re participating in our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) or Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) in Reston, Norfolk, or virtually, Prosperity is here to walk alongside you every step of the way.

Prioritizing Mental Health in Eating Disorder Recovery

Eating disorders are serious and complex mental health conditions that deserve professional, compassionate, and comprehensive care, not just during Mental Health Awareness Month, but every day. Recovery isn’t simply about changing eating habits; it’s about healing emotional wounds, building resilience, and reclaiming your life with compassion and courage.

At Prosperity Eating Disorders and Wellness Center, we understand that lasting recovery means treating the whole person. Our integrated programs provide the specialized support you need to heal fully—mind, body, and spirit.

You don’t have to navigate this journey alone.

Visit our website or contact us today for more information about our variety of eating disorder treatment programs that are individualized for you.

Navigating College and Recovery with Virtual Eating Disorder Support

by Ariel Walsh | Feb 3, 2025 | Eating Disorder Treatment, Eating Disorders, Recovery

College is often a transformative time in a person’s life, but it’s not without its challenges. With newfound independence, academic pressures, and social adjustments, students may face significant stress. Unfortunately, for some, these challenges can contribute to the development or exacerbation of eating disorders. Virtual care offers a valuable solution for college students struggling with eating disorders, providing accessible, flexible, and effective treatment options during this critical period of their lives.

The Prevalence of Eating Disorders in College Students

Eating disorders are alarmingly prevalent among college students. According to a study conducted in 2013 by the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), between 10 and 20% of females and 4 to 10% of males in college suffer from an eating disorder, and rates are on the rise. Young women are particularly vulnerable, with another study estimating that 13.5% of female college students experience symptoms of eating disorders. Males, too, face significant challenges, with approximately 3.6% of male students reporting struggles with eating disorders.

Some triggers for eating disorders during college can include:

Academic Stress: Staying up all night or skipping meals to study for exams, or feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to maintain high grades, can lead to neglecting proper eating habits.
Social Pressures: Trying to fit in with peers, navigating new social environments, or experiencing isolation can lead to harmful coping mechanisms like disordered eating.
Body Image Concerns: Being surrounded by societal and cultural expectations, as well as exposure to diet culture’s “ideal” body types, can exacerbate unhealthy and negative perceptions of one’s own body.
Financial Difficulties: Struggling to afford healthy meals or feeling stress from managing finances independently can impact eating patterns and overall nutrition.
Transitioning to Independent Living: Adjusting to a new lifestyle, managing time, and making independent food choices can be overwhelming, leading to irregular eating habits or unhealthy coping mechanisms.
Athletic Pressures: College athletes often face intense performance demands and weight or body composition requirements, which can lead to restrictive eating, overexercising, or other disordered behaviors in an effort to meet expectations.
Sorority and Fraternity Culture: Participation in Greek life can involve social and appearance-related pressures, as well as events or activities that may emphasize body image or dieting, contributing to disordered eating triggers.

All of these can be amplified by the college campus environment. Furthermore, the college years coincide with the typical age of onset for many eating disorders. Research shows that 2.7% of teens will experience an eating disorder in their lifetime, and 13% of adolescents will develop an eating disorder by the age of 20. This critical period includes common eating disorder diagnoses such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder.

Barriers to Traditional In-Person Treatment for Eating Disorders That College Students Face

Despite the pressing need for care, many college students face obstacles to accessing traditional in-person treatment for eating disorders:

Busy Schedules: Students often juggle classes, part-time jobs, and extracurricular activities, leaving little time to commute to in-person therapy sessions.
Stigma: Fear of judgment or being misunderstood can deter students from seeking help on campus.
Limited Resources: Many college counseling centers are understaffed and often lack specialists trained in eating disorder treatment.
Financial Constraints: Paying for treatment can be a significant barrier, particularly for students without adequate insurance coverage.

These barriers highlight the need for a more accessible and flexible eating disorder treatment model.

The Benefits of Virtual Care for Eating Disorder Treatment

Virtual care addresses many of the challenges college students face in accessing treatment, offering a convenient and effective alternative.

Accessibility: Students can attend therapy sessions from the comfort of their dorm rooms or apartments, eliminating the need for travel. This is particularly helpful for those attending schools in rural or underserved areas where specialized eating disorder care may not be readily available.
Flexibility: Virtual therapy sessions can often be scheduled around a student’s academic and personal commitments, making it easier to prioritize treatment without disrupting daily life as a college student.
Specialized Care: Virtual platforms often connect students with specialists who have expertise in treating eating disorders, providing access to evidence-based interventions like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), family-based treatment (FBT), and nutritional counseling.
Empowered Communication: Virtual care creates a space where students can engage openly with eating disorder professionals in a way that feels comfortable and less intimidating, fostering honesty and deeper connections that are essential for meaningful progress in their eating disorder recovery journey.
Continuity of Care: For students who live far from home or frequently travel, virtual care ensures they can maintain consistent treatment regardless of their location.

While traditional in-person treatment approaches remain powerful tools for recovery, growing evidence suggests that virtually delivered care is both convenient and impactful. Results from a 2021 study from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center’s Center for Eating Disorders indicate that “patients experience significant improvements in ED symptoms during virtual treatment delivery.” Additionally, a 2020 statistical review revealed that clients participating in virtual intensive outpatient programming (VIOP) for the treatment of eating disorders “showed significant and clinically meaningful improvements in all outcomes measured, including self-reported eating disorder symptoms, depression, self-esteem, quality of life, and overall satisfaction.” The review concluded that VIOP is feasible, acceptable, and leads to meaningful changes in eating and mood disorder symptoms.

An Overview of Prosperity Eating Disorder and Wellness Center’s Eating Disorder Approach to Treatment and Programs

Prosperity’s innovative, gender-inclusive programs seek to meet clients quite literally wherever they are, both in the recovery process and across the Commonwealth of Virginia. Our programs offer comprehensive, engaging care to address the complex challenges of recovery. Clients gain tools to manage distress, challenge the beliefs that support their eating disorder, and enjoy the support of a caring community of professionals and peers. Clients are linked with a dedicated individual treatment team, consisting of both nutrition and therapy providers, who meet with them individually each week to monitor progress and collaborate on their unique recovery path.

Our Approach For Our Clients

Prosperity subscribes to the Health At Every Size® (HAES®) approach and an All Foods Fit model:

Nutrition Sessions: Focus on a ‘non-diet’ approach emphasizing building a long-lasting, positive relationship with food.
Group Therapy Sessions: Consist of evidence-based approaches and are hosted in a safe, peaceful, and encouraging environment. Our goal is to empower individuals to heal, thrive, and live their lives victoriously.
Inclusivity: We accept clients with all eating disorder diagnoses, including a separate tract for Binge Eating Disorder.

Our Treatment Program Details

Our programming offers three different times that can fit your schedule. Clients can see their therapist and dietitian in-person at either of our Virginia locations (Reston or Norfolk) or virtually.

IOP includes weekly individual therapy and nutrition counseling with providers that specialize in eating disorders.
Group topics include intuitive eating and nutrition education, body image, cognitive restructuring, processing of current life stressors, and empowering relationships.

https://www.acibademhealthpoint.com

At Prosperity, we believe it is vital for our clients to understand how they developed an eating disorder, how it has been maintained, and how to live a full life without one. Self-discovery, finding joy and purpose, and maintaining a healthy relationship with self and others are what drive our therapy.

Research supports the effectiveness of virtual care for eating disorder treatment. A study published in the International Journal of Eating Disorders found that virtual CBT was just as effective as in-person therapy for reducing eating disorder symptoms. Similarly, virtual family-based treatment has shown promising outcomes for adolescents and young adults with anorexia nervosa.

By leveraging virtual care, students can access the treatment they need without compromising their academic or personal responsibilities, improving their chances of full eating disorder recovery and overall well-being.

Taking the First Step in Your Eating Disorder Recovery Journey

Struggling with an eating disorder in college can feel overwhelming, but help is available. Prosperity Eating Disorders and Wellness Center offers Virtual Outpatient Programs and Virtual Support Groups to provide flexible, evidence-based care tailored to individual needs. Our programs are designed to help you navigate recovery, offering structured support and a compassionate community of highly-trained eating disorder professional experts and peers—all from the comfort of your own space.

These programs include weekly sessions with dedicated treatment teams that specialize in nutrition and therapy for eating disorders. Clients also participate in group discussions focusing on topics like intuitive eating, body image, and managing life’s challenges.

Don’t let the challenges of college life stand in the way of your mental health and recovery. With virtual care, healing from eating disorders and improving your overall well-being is always within reach. Explore how Prosperity’s virtual care can support your unique eating disorder recovery journey by visiting Prosperity’s Outpatient and Virtual Services page.

Caught in the Comparison Trap: Social Media’s Effect on Eating Disorders and Mental Health

by Ariel Walsh | Jan 23, 2025 | Body Image, Diet Culture, Eating Disorders, Recovery

Social media has revolutionized the way we connect, share, and communicate. It provides platforms for creativity, self-expression, and the ability to interact with a global community. However, beneath the surface of these digital spaces, there is an undeniable impact on body image and mental health—particularly for those struggling with eating disorders.

At Prosperity Eating Disorders and Wellness Center, we understand the complexities of how social media can influence eating disorders, often fueling unrealistic beauty standards, comparison, and unhealthy behaviors. In this blog post, we explore the relationship between social media and eating disorders, the effects it has on mental health, and how to navigate these digital spaces mindfully.

How Social Media Fuels Unrealistic Beauty and Body Ideals

One of the most pervasive influences social media has on body image is the promotion of unrealistic beauty standards. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat showcase filtered images, curated lifestyles, and highly edited photos that often set unattainable beauty ideals. These images, sometimes showcasing a specific body type or a certain level of fitness, are designed to garner attention and validation—but they don’t reflect the reality of most people’s lives.

The constant exposure to these highly stylized images can lead to a distorted view of one’s own body, contributing to body dissatisfaction. This dissatisfaction can fuel the development or exacerbation of eating disorders, as individuals may strive to achieve an idealized image, often through harmful practices such as restrictive dieting, over-exercising, or disordered eating.

Comparison Culture: The Silent Struggle

“Comparison is the thief of joy.” -Theodore Roosevelt

This well-known quote rings true in the context of social media and eating disorders. Platforms designed to showcase the best of people’s lives often set the stage for unhealthy comparisons. We scroll through curated images of friends, influencers, and celebrities, comparing our bodies, lifestyles, and eating habits to theirs.

For individuals already struggling with eating disorders or body image issues, this constant cycle of comparison can trigger feelings of inadequacy, shame, and self-criticism. Research shows that engaging in comparison on social media is strongly linked to body dissatisfaction and low self-esteem, two factors that are commonly associated with the development or worsening of eating disorders.

At Prosperity, we encourage individuals to shift their focus away from external appearances and instead embrace their unique journey toward recovery. Social media can be a tool for inspiration, but it is essential to filter out the content that reinforces harmful beauty ideals and focus on self-acceptance.

The Role of Social Media Influencers and Diet Culture

Social media influencers have a significant impact on shaping beauty, fitness, and health trends. Many influencers promote weight loss programs, diets, or wellness routines that may seem appealing to those seeking quick fixes for their body image concerns. While some of these influencers genuinely advocate for healthy living, others may inadvertently encourage harmful dieting habits or promote extreme fitness routines that are unsustainable.

The rise of diet culture on social media encourages restrictive eating and the notion that one’s value is tied to their appearance or the number on the scale. The constant bombardment of diet ads, weight loss tips, and “before and after” photos can lead individuals to believe that they are not good enough unless they meet certain body standards, fueling the cycle of disordered eating.

At Prosperity, we emphasize the importance of rejecting diet culture and focusing on holistic, sustainable approaches to health and wellness. We believe in fostering a relationship with food that is nurturing, nourishing, and free of judgment.

Triggering Content and Harmful Messages

While not all content on social media is harmful, certain posts can trigger negative emotions or behaviors, particularly for individuals struggling with eating disorders. Posts related to weight loss, “clean eating,” body-shaming, or unrealistic before-and-after transformations can create feelings of inadequacy or lead to unhealthy behaviors.

Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have made strides in introducing features that allow users to hide or report content that may be harmful or triggering. However, it’s important for individuals to set personal boundaries and be mindful of the content they engage with. Unfollowing accounts that perpetuate negative body image or harmful dieting practices can be a powerful step toward improving mental health.

How to Use Social Media Mindfully

While social media can present challenges for those with eating disorders, it is also a platform for support, education, and inspiration. Here are a few tips for using social media more mindfully:

Curate Your Feed: Follow accounts that promote body positivity, self-love, mental health, and healthy relationships with food. There are numerous influencers, dietitians, and mental health advocates who are focused on realistic and inclusive portrayals of health. Don’t be afraid to unfollow or block accounts that don’t align with your values or are triggering to your recovery.
Take Breaks: If you feel overwhelmed or triggered by content, consider taking a break from social media. Disconnecting for a while can provide space to recalibrate and focus on your recovery without external pressures.
Practice Critical Thinking: Not everything you see on social media is real. Recognize that many images are edited, filtered, or curated to create a specific image. Challenge the idea that happiness or success is tied to physical appearance.
Engage in Positive Communities: Join online groups or communities that focus on recovery, mental health, and body acceptance. Being part of a supportive space can help reinforce positive messages and build connections with others who understand your journey.

Navigating Social Media in Your Recovery Journey

By understanding the impact of social media and taking mindful steps to curate your digital environment, you can begin to foster a healthier relationship with both yourself and these platforms.

At Prosperity Eating Disorders and Wellness Center, we’re here to help you navigate the challenges of social media and the recovery process. We support you in building confidence, self-love, and the strength to heal. If you or a loved one is struggling with an eating disorder, don’t hesitate to reach out—our team is here to provide the tools and resources for lasting recovery.

Breaking the Silence: Males and Eating Disorders

by Ariel Walsh | Oct 23, 2024 | Body Image, Eating Disorders, Recovery

When people think of eating disorders, the image that often comes to mind is a woman struggling with food and body image. But the reality is that eating disorders do not discriminate by gender. Males are also affected, yet their experiences are often hidden in the shadows. Raising awareness about this reality is critical, not only to break stereotypes but also to ensure that men get the support they need.

The Prevalence of Eating Disorders in Males

Despite societal perceptions, a substantial number of males struggle with eating disorders. Research suggests that around 25% of individuals with anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa are male. However, the real number could be even higher, due to underreporting driven by stigma. Males may often feel pressured to fit into traditional masculine ideals, making it difficult to acknowledge or seek help for an eating disorder.

While males experience various types of eating disorders—such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder—the way these disorders manifest can differ. While women often focus on weight loss and thinness, males are more likely to become preoccupied with muscle gain or achieving a lean, toned physique. This pursuit of the “ideal” body can lead to harmful behaviors, including excessive exercise, steroid use, and restrictive eating patterns.

Body Image Pressures and the Male Experience

Over the years, societal ideals for males have increasingly emphasized muscularity and leanness. These pressures can drive males toward unhealthy behaviors as they strive to meet unrealistic body standards. Many males with eating disorders develop an obsession with weight, diet, and exercise in their efforts to achieve the ‘perfect body,’ leading to a cycle of harmful habits and distorted self-image.

Underdiagnosis and Misdiagnosis: The Hidden Crisis For Males

One of the most significant challenges men face is the underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis of eating disorders. Since eating disorders are still often perceived as a “female issue,” healthcare providers may not immediately recognize the signs in male patients. This oversight can lead to delayed treatment, increasing the risk of long-term physical and mental health damage.

Barriers Males Face in Seeking Eating Disorder Treatment

Males often encounter unique barriers when seeking treatment for eating disorders. Societal stigma, expectations around masculinity, and a lack of awareness of their symptoms can prevent males from reaching out for professional help. The perception of eating disorders as a “female issue” may cause some men to avoid treatment altogether, suffering in silence.

Co-occurring Conditions: A Complex Picture

Many males struggling with eating disorders also face other mental health challenges, such as depression, anxiety, or substance use. These co-occurring issues can complicate the diagnosis and treatment of eating disorders, making a holistic, comprehensive approach essential. Addressing these conditions alongside the eating disorder can greatly improve the chances of a successful and full recovery.

Challenging Social Norms and Their Cultural and Social Influences

Cultural and social factors, particularly traditional expectations of masculinity, play a key role in the development of eating disorders in males. Addressing these influences during treatment is vital to breaking the cycle of harmful behaviors and promoting lasting recovery. Encouraging open conversations about body image, masculinity, and the pressures males face is an important step toward creating a safe space for healing.

Prosperity’s Eating Disorder Treatment Approaches for Men: A Holistic Path to Recovery

At Prosperity Eating Disorders and Wellness Center, we understand that males, too, can suffer from eating disorders, and breaking the silence around this issue is the first step toward recovery. We are committed to raising awareness, ensuring early detection, and offering tailored, evidence-based treatment to support males on their journey to recovery.

Recovery doesn’t happen in isolation—having a strong support network is crucial. Family members, friends, and peer support groups offer not only encouragement but also practical strategies for overcoming the challenges of recovery.

Our holistic, comprehensive, and multidisciplinary approach includes medical management, psychotherapy (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy), nutritional counseling, and, when necessary, medication. Each treatment plan is tailored to the unique needs of the individual to ensure compassionate, effective care. If you or a loved one is struggling with an eating disorder, reach out to us today for support and start the journey to regaining control over your life and your relationship with food.

Virginia’s Premier Day Treatment And Intensive Outpatient Treatment Centers

Prosperity Eating Disorders & Wellness Center specializes in the treatment of eating disorders while offering evidence-based, comprehensive, ethical, and individualized treatment to all ages, ethnicities, genders, and eating disorders. Our goal is to help sufferers find a full recovery by meeting their psychological, nutritional, emotional, and relational needs. We specialize in treating Anorexia, Bulimia, EDNOS, Orthorexia, and Binge Eating Disorder. With locations in Herndon and Norfolk, Prosperity is equipped to serve the needs of adolescents and adults throughout Virginia.

Get started with Prosperity Eating Disorders & Wellness Center today!

We offer in-person and virtual services.

Learn More Here