By: Paavna Rangarajan
Tw: sensitive topics & spoilers
Eating disorders have always been something kept in the shadows of mainstream media and are not talked about enough. Just as any mental illness, having an eating disorder is not something a person may willingly want to put themself through. As www.magnolia-creek.com puts it, “Someone with an eating disorder is not trying to garner attention; they are not choosing to battle a life-altering mental health condition.” Having to go through this life changing experience alone is one thing, but is it helpful for Hollywood to portray them in their movies and shows?
To start off, some background information on eating disorders. Eating disorders are behavioral conditions characterized by severe and persistent disturbance in eating behaviors and associated distressing thoughts and emotions. This can be expressed in many different ways including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, avoidant restrictive food intake disorder, other specified feeding and eating disorder, pica and rumination disorder. An eating disorder can look unique to each individual and may not always fit the “ideal picture” and many factors may contribute to developing one.
There are also options when seeking treatment on a path to recovery. Joining support groups or calling the National Eating Disorders Association Helpline: 1-800-931-2237 is a great way to start. This helpline offers support Monday–Thursday from 9 a.m.–9 p.m. EST, and Friday from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. EST. You can expect to receive support, information, referrals, and guidance about treatment options for either you or your loved one. You can also contact this helpline through its online chat function, available on its website. Additionally, there is an option to send a text message if you are in crisis by texting NEDA to 741741; a trained volunteer from the Crisis Text Line will get in touch with you.
Moving on, let’s look at a new netflix original tv show called: Never Have I Ever. In this show, the character by the name of Aneesa is written to have an eating disorder. Though the show does a great job of trying to maintain a positive way of helping the character, however they use eating disorders as a way to create depth in the main character,Devi’s story rather than focusing on Aneesa’s journey. Another example of eating disorders being present in Hollywood is the show Pretty Little Liars. The character Hanna Marin is on the path of recovering but is forced to revisit her old habits due to the story. This is another example where television has included eating disorders into their story lines but fails to mention the journey of the character.
All in all, eating disorders haven’t always been a topic that is very frequently talked about and is especially not generally broadcasted on television. However, by having story lines that include them, we are increasing inclusivity to that community and spreading the word about mental health. If you notice the warning signs of an eating disorder in a friend or family member, it’s important to speak up! Be patient and supportive and help them out as much as you can.
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