Body Image Archives - 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.

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.

Navigating the Emotional Journey of Family Therapy in Eating Disorder Recovery

by Heather Baker | Nov 25, 2024 | Body Image, Children, Eating Disorders, Family, Recovery

Written By: Adrianna Rodriquez, MS, MFT, CFBT

Family and Individual Therapist, Certified in Family Based Therapy

The complexities of family emotions often create a whirlwind of support and tension, with each interaction holding the potential for both comfort and conflict. In eating disorder recovery, this emotional landscape becomes even more intricate, affecting both the identified patient and their family members.

At Prosperity Eating Disorders and Wellness Center, we understand these challenges and explore them in depth during family therapy sessions. Below, we outline some of the most common emotions families experience and how recognizing them can foster growth and healing.

Helplessness

Many parents often feel powerless to change the situation, wishing they could “fix” their child’s struggles. Parents grapple with the desire to help while facing the limitations of their understanding and the complex nature of the illness itself. This sense of powerlessness can lead to frustration and sadness as they navigate the delicate balance between support and encouraging independence in their child’s healing journey.

Fear

Concerns about their child’s health and future can lead to overwhelming anxiety and fear about potential consequences. They worry about setbacks, the potential for relapse, and the long-term impact on their child’s physical and emotional health. They may also fear that their attempts to help could inadvertently push their child away or exacerbate the struggle, leaving them anxious about how to provide the right support.

Guilt

Parents may question their parenting choices and wonder if they contributed to the development of the eating disorder, leading to feelings of guilt and regret. They may question whether their actions, words, or even family dynamics contributed to the onset of the illness. This guilt can manifest as a sense of failure in their parenting.

Sadness

Watching a child suffer can lead to deep sadness and grief over the loss of the child’s well-being and happiness. Parents may mourn the loss of the carefree moments they once shared around food and in general, with their child.

Frustration

Repeated challenges, resistance to treatment, or setbacks can lead to feelings of anger, frustration, and impatience. Anger can arise towards the eating disorder itself, as well as towards circumstances or even the child for their behavior, though this can often be mixed with empathy.

Isolation

Many parents often feel alone in their struggle, unsure of how to find support or connect with others who understand their experience. Parents may feel disconnected from friends and family who may not understand the complexities of the situation and the stigma surrounding eating disorders.

Hope and Determination

Despite the challenges, many parents maintain a sense of hope for recovery and healing, often fueled by small progress or moments of connection. Many parents feel a strong resolve to advocate for their child, seeking out resources, support, and professional help to set up the environment for full recovery.

All these emotions are common and valid. At Prosperity, we help families process these feelings in a supportive environment, equipping them with the tools to navigate their child’s recovery journey. Together, we build stronger connections and foster a path to full recovery.

Contact us today to learn more about our family therapy programs and how we support families through the challenges of eating disorder recovery.

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

Enhancing Your Eating Disorder Recovery with Virtual Therapy Groups

by Heather Baker | Nov 2, 2024 | Body Image, Counseling, Diet Culture, Eating Disorders, Recovery, therapy

Support is crucial in the journey of eating disorder recovery. Whether you’re just beginning or have been on the path for a while, having the right resources and community can make a significant difference. At Prosperity Eating Disorders & Wellness Center, we understand the importance of accessible support, so we are excited to offer virtual outpatient therapy groups tailored to your needs.

Why Virtual Therapy Groups?

Virtual therapy groups provide a unique opportunity for individuals to receive support from the comfort of their own homes. This format is especially beneficial for those who may have busy schedules, live far from treatment centers, or prefer the privacy and convenience of online sessions. Our virtual groups are designed to create a safe and supportive environment where you can connect with others who understand your experiences.