Thrive Specialists Share Their Favorite Books for Better Well-Being

Thrive • October 19, 2021

Thrive’s team is composed of psychiatrists, therapists, primary care physicians, nutritionists, and mindful movement specialists – and they all love a good book! In honor of Health Literacy Month , Thrive’s specialists shared their favorite books about mental and behavioral health, which they often recommend to clients. Topics range from eating disorders and body image to perinatal mental health, parenting, and grief, and also include several selections relating to overall well-being. Peruse a comprehensive list of titles along with the books’ corresponding descriptions below. Now, it’s time to cozy up and get inspired with a good book!

Jump to your favorite topic:

BOOKS ABOUT MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

A Liberated Mind: How to Pivot Toward What Matters

by Steven C. Hayes Ph.D.

“In this landmark book, the originator and pioneering researcher into Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) lays out the psychological flexibility skills that make it one of the most powerful approaches research has yet to offer.”

Accessing the Healing Power of the Vagus Nerve: Self-Help Exercises for Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, and Autism

by Stanley Rosenburg

“Through a series of easy self-help exercises, the book illustrates the simple ways we can regulate the vagus nerve in order to initiate deep relaxation, improve sleep, and recover from injury and trauma.”

Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art

by James Nestor

“Drawing on thousands of years of medical texts and recent cutting-edge studies in pulmonology, psychology, biochemistry, and human physiology, Breath turns the conventional wisdom of what we thought we knew about our most basic biological function on its head.”

Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle

by Emily Nagoski Ph.D. and Amelia Nagoski DMA

“Sisters Emily Nagoski, Ph.D., and Amelia Nagoski, DMA, are here to help end the cycle of feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. Instead of asking us to ignore the very real obstacles and societal pressures that stand between women and well-being, they explain with compassion and optimism what we’re up against—and show us how to fight back.”

Codependent No More: How to Stop Controlling Others and Start Caring for Yourself

by Melody Beattie

“With instructive life stories, personal reflections, exercises, and self-tests, Codependent No More is a simple, straightforward, readable map of the perplexing world of codependency–charting the path to freedom and a lifetime of healing, hope, and happiness.”

Come As You Are: The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life

by Emily Nagoski, Ph.D.

“For much of the 20th and 21st centuries, women’s sexuality was an uncharted territory in science, studied far less frequently—and far less seriously—than its male counterpart. That is, until Emily Nagoski’s Come As You Are, which used groundbreaking science and research to prove that the most important factor in creating and sustaining a sex life filled with confidence and joy is not what the parts are or how they’re organized but how you feel about them.”

Man’s Search for Meaning

by Viktor E. Frankl

“‘An enduring work of survival literature,’ according to the New York Times, Viktor Frankl’s riveting account of his time in the Nazi concentration camps, and his insightful exploration of the human will to find meaning in spite of the worst adversity, has offered solace and guidance to generations of readers since it was first published in 1946. At the heart of Frankl’s theory of logotherapy (from the Greek word for “meaning”) is a conviction that the primary human drive is not pleasure, as Freud maintained, but rather the discovery and pursuit of what the individual finds meaningful.”

Rising Strong: How the Ability to Reset Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead

by Brené Brown

“As a grounded theory researcher, Brown has listened as a range of people – from leaders in Fortune 500 companies and the military to artists, couples in long-term relationships, teachers, and parents – shared their stories of being brave, falling, and getting back up. She asked herself, what do these people with strong and loving relationships, leaders nurturing creativity, artists pushing innovation, and clergy walking with people through faith and mystery have in common? The answer was clear: They recognize the power of emotion, and they’re not afraid to lean into discomfort.”

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma

by Bessel van der Kolk M.D.

“In ‘The Body Keeps the Score’, [Dr. Bessel van der Kolk] uses recent scientific advances to show how trauma literally reshapes both body and brain, compromising sufferers’ capacities for pleasure, engagement, self-control, and trust. He explores innovative treatments—from neurofeedback and meditation to sports, drama, and yoga—that offer new paths to recovery by activating the brain’s natural neuroplasticity.”

The Buddha and the Borderline: My Recovery from Borderline Personality Disorder through Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Buddhism, and Online Dating

by Kiera Van Gelder

“Kiera’s story sheds light on the private struggle to transform suffering into compassion for herself and others, and is essential reading for all seeking to understand what it truly means to recover and reclaim the desire to live.”

The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook: A Proven Way to Accept Yourself, Build Inner Strength, and Thrive

by Kristin Neff, Ph.D. and Christopher Germer, Ph.D.

“This science-based workbook offers a step-by-step approach to breaking free of harsh self-judgments and impossible standards in order to cultivate emotional well-being.”

The Sleep Solution: Why Your Sleep is Broken and How to Fix It

by W. Chris Winter, M.D.

“‘The Sleep Solution’ is an exciting journey of sleep self-discovery and understanding that will help you custom design specific interventions to fit your lifestyle.”

Things Might Go Terribly, Horribly Wrong: A Guide to Life Liberated from Anxiety

by Kelly G. Wilson, Ph.D.

“This book approaches the problem of anxiety a little differently than most. Instead of trying to help you overcome or reduce feelings of anxiety, ‘Things Might Go Terribly, Horribly Wrong’ will help you climb inside these feelings, sit in that place, and see what it would be like to have anxiety and still make room in your life to breathe and rest and live — really and truly live — in a way that matters to you.”

What Happened to You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing

by Bruce D. Perry, M.D., Ph.D. and Oprah Winfrey

“Through deeply personal conversations, Oprah Winfrey and renowned brain and trauma expert Dr. Bruce Perry offer a groundbreaking and profound shift from asking ‘What’s wrong with you?’ to ‘What happened to you?’”

Why Do I Hurt? A Patient Book About the Neuroscience of Pain

by Adriaan Louw, PT, Ph.D., CSMT

“‘Why Do I Hurt?’ teaches patients the science of pain in approachable language with metaphors, examples and images.”

Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams

by Matthew Walker, Ph.D.

“Charting cutting-edge scientific breakthroughs, and synthesizing decades of research and clinical practice, Walker explains how we can harness sleep to improve learning, mood, and energy levels; regulate hormones; prevent cancer, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes; slow the effects of aging; increase longevity; enhance the education and lifespan of our children, and boost the efficiency, success, and productivity of our businesses.”

Take me back to the top.

BOOKS ABOUT EATING DISORDERS AND BODY IMAGE

8 Keys to Recovery from an Eating Disorder: Effective Strategies from Therapeutic Practice and Personal Experience (8 Keys to Mental Health)

by Carolyn Costin and Gwen Schubert Grabb

“The authors bravely share their unique stories of suffering from and eventually overcoming their own severe eating disorders.”

Anti-Diet: Reclaim Your Time, Money, Well-Being, and Happiness Through Intuitive Eating

by Christy Harrison, MPH, RD

“In ‘Anti-Diet,’ Christy Harrison takes on diet culture and the multi-billion-dollar industries that profit from it, exposing all the ways it robs people of their time, money, health, and happiness.”

Body Image: A Handbook of Science, Practice, and Prevention

by Thomas F. Cash and Linda Smolak

“Contributors review established and emerging theories and findings; probe questions of culture, gender, health, and disorder; and present evidence-based assessment, treatment, and prevention approaches for the full range of body image concerns.”

Body Respect: What Conventional Health Books Get Wrong, Leave Out, and Just Plain Fail to Understand about Weight

by Linda Bacon, Ph.D. and Lucy Aphramor, Ph.D., RD

“Dr. Linda Bacon and Dr. Lucy Aphramor’s ‘Body Respect’ debunks common myths about weight, including the misconceptions that BMI can accurately measure health, that fatness necessarily leads to disease, and that dieting will improve health.”

Eating Disorders: A Parents’ Guide

by Rachel Bryant-Waugh and Bryan Lask

“Written by two experienced clinicians, this new edition is dedicated to clarifying the subject of eating disorders. Combining an accessible and straightforward introduction to the subject with practical advice, this book represents the first step towards recognising, understanding and dealing with the problem.”

Eating in the Light of the Moon: How Women Can Transform Their Relationship with Food Through Myths, Metaphors, and Storytelling

by Anita A. Johnston Ph.D.

“By weaving practical insights and exercises through a rich tapestry of multicultural myths, ancient legends, and folktales, Anita Johnston helps the millions of women preoccupied with their weight discover and address the issues behind their negative attitudes toward food.”

Eating to Lose: Healing From a Life of Diabulimia

by Maryjeanne Hunt

“A hopeful and empowering memoir of one woman’s struggle with diabulimia, an eating disorder linked to diabetes.”

Fearing the Black Body: The Racial Origins of Fat Phobia

by Sabrina Strings

“An important and original work, ‘Fearing the Black Body’ argues convincingly that fat phobia isn’t about health at all, but rather a means of using the body to validate race, class, and gender prejudice.”

Fed Up! : The Breakthrough Ten-Step, No-Diet Fitness Plan Paperback

by Wendy Oliver-Pyatt, M.D.

“No carb counting, ab rolling, or juicing—instead, Dr. Oliver-Pyatt shows how people can lose weight and develop a healthy attitude toward food—for life.”

Help Your Teenager Beat an Eating Disorder

by James Lock, M.D., Ph.D. and Daniel Le Grange, Ph.D.

“Learn how to monitor your teen’s eating and exercise, manage mealtimes, end weight-related power struggles, and partner successfully with health care providers.”

Helping Your Child with Extreme Picky Eating

by Katja Rowell, M.D. and Jenny McGlothlin, MS, SLP

“You’ll discover specific strategies for dealing with anxiety, low appetite, sensory challenges, autism spectrum-related feeding issues, oral motor delay, and medically-based feeding problems.”

Intuitive Eating: A Revolutionary Anti-Diet Approach

by RDN Evelyn Tribole, MS, RDN and Elyse Resch, MS

“The authors, both prominent health professionals in the field of nutrition and eating disorders, urge readers to embrace the goal of developing body positivity and reconnecting with one’s internal wisdom about eating―to unlearn everything they were taught about calorie-counting and other aspects of diet culture and to learn about the harm of weight stigma.”

It was Never About the Food: Stories of Recovery from Eating Disorders

by Dr. Tony Paulson, Dr. Eve Snyder, and Mark Gibson, LCSW

“Whether you are someone entering treatment, returning to treatment, supporting someone in treatment, or even contemplating treatment, it is intended to shine a spotlight on the path to recovery. The authors share the stories of four individuals who developed and struggled with an eating disorder and overcame it.”

Life Without Ed: How One Woman Declared Independence from Her Eating Disorder and How You Can Too

by Jenni Schaefer and Thom Rutledge

“Inspiring, compassionate, and filled with practical exercises to help you break up with your own personal E.D., ‘Life Without Ed’ provides hope to the millions of people plagued by eating disorders.”

More Than a Body: Your Body Is an Instrument, Not an Ornament

by Lexie Kite, Ph.D. and Lindsay Kite, Ph.D.

“With insights drawn from their extensive body image research, Lindsay and Lexie—Ph.D.s and founders of the nonprofit Beauty Redefined (and also twin sisters!)—lay out an action plan that arms you with the skills you need to reconnect with your whole self and free yourself from the constraints of self-objectification.”

My Kid is Back: Empowering Parents to Beat Anorexia Nervosa

by June Alexander and Daniel Le Grange

“‘My Kid is Back’ explains how family-based treatment can greatly reduce the severity of anorexia nervosa in children and adolescents, allowing the sufferer to return to normal eating patterns, and their families to return to normal family life.”

Sick Enough: A Guide to the Medical Complications of Eating Disorders

by Jennifer L. Gaudiani

“‘Sick Enough’ offers patients, their families, and clinicians a comprehensive, accessible review of the medical issues that arise from eating disorders by bringing relatable case presentations and a scientifically sound, engaging style to the topic.”

Why She Feels Fat: Understanding Your Loved One’s Eating Disorder and How You Can Help

by Johanna Marie McShane, Ph.D. and Tony Paulson, Ph.D.

“Sprinkled with over 100 quotes from recovering individuals, Why She Feels Fat explores eating disorders from the inside out to convey the emotional experience and perspectives of those who have them. Decoding the deeper meaning of the statement “I feel fat” is at the heart of this simple and straightforward book that also includes basic information about eating disorders, such as signs, symptoms, medical complications, causes, approaches to treatment, and stages of recovery.”

Take me back to the top.

BOOKS ABOUT PERINATAL MENTAL HEALTH

Dropping the Baby and Other Scary Thoughts: Breaking the Cycle of Unwanted Thoughts in Parenthood

by Karen Kleiman, MSW, LCSW and Amy Wenzel, Ph.D., ABPP

“This accessible guide addresses the nature of the intrusive and unwanted thoughts that can be common in new parenthood, and offers practical answers and advice on how to tackle these.”

Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts: A Healing Guide to the Secret Fears of New Mothers

by Karen Kleiman, MSW, LCSW and Molly McIntyre

“Lighthearted yet serious, warm yet not sugary, and perfectly portioned for busy moms with full plates, ‘Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts’ is the go-to resource for moms, partners, and families everywhere who need help with this difficult period.”

Movements That Heal: Rhythmic Movement Training and Primitive Reflex Integration

by Harald Blomberg, M.D. and Moira Dempsey

“Discusses the developmental and environmental reasons behind many learning, sensory, emotional and behavioural challenges.”

Nurture: A Modern Guide to Pregnancy, Birth, Early Motherhood and Trusting Yourself and Your Body

by Erica Chidi and Jillian Ditner

“Nurture is the only all-in-one pregnancy and birthing book for modern mothers-to-be and their partners who want a more integrative approach.”

Pregnancy and Postpartum Anxiety Workbook: Practical Skills to Help You Overcome Anxiety, Worry, Panic Attacks, Obsessions, and Compulsions

by Pamela S. Wiegartz, Ph.D., Kevin L. Gyoerkoe, PsyD, et al.

“‘The Pregnancy and Postpartum Anxiety Workbook’ offers powerful strategies grounded in evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help you control your worry, panic, and anxiety.”

The Fifth Trimester: The Working Mom’s Guide to Style, Sanity, and Big Success After Baby

by Lauren Smith Brody

“‘The Fifth Trimester’ is your one-stop shop for the honest, funny, and comforting tips, to-do lists, and take-charge strategies you’ll need to embrace your new identity as a working parent and set yourself up for success.”

This Isn’t What I Expected: Overcoming Postpartum Depression

by Karen Kleiman, MSW, LCSW and Valerie Davis Raskin, M.D.

“Written by two postpartum experts, a definitive guide offering compassionate support and solid advice on dealing with every aspect of Postpartum Depression (PPD).”

Take me back to the top.

BOOKS ABOUT PARENTING

Easy to Love, Difficult to Discipline: The 7 Basic Skills for Turning Conflict into Cooperation

by Becky A. Bailey, Ph.D.

“You love your children, but if you’re like most parents, you don’t always love their behavior. But how can you guide them without resorting to less-than-optimal behavior yourself? Dr. Becky Bailey’s unusual and powerful approach to parenting has made thousands of families happier and healthier.”

The Good Mother Myth: Redefining Motherhood to Fit Reality

by Avital Norman Nathman

“This collection of essays takes a realistic look at motherhood and provides a platform for real voices and raw stories, each adding to the narrative of motherhood we don’t tend to see in the headlines or on the news.”

The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind

by Daniel J. Siegel, M.D. and Tina Payne Bryson, Ph.D.

“In this pioneering, practical book, Daniel J. Siegel, neuropsychiatrist and author of the bestselling Mindsight, and parenting expert Tina Payne Bryson offer a revolutionary approach to child rearing with twelve key strategies that foster healthy brain development, leading to calmer, happier children.”

The Wholehearted Parenting Manifesto

by Brené Brown

A manifesto for parents from Brené Brown’s ‘Daring Greatly’ available for download.

Parenting from the Inside Out: How a Deeper Self-Understanding Can Help You Raise Children Who Thrive

by Daniel J. Siegel, M.D. and Mary Hartzell, M.Ed.

“In ‘Parenting from the Inside Out,’ child psychiatrist Daniel J. Siegel, M.D., and early childhood expert Mary Hartzell, M.Ed., explore the extent to which our childhood experiences shape the way we parent.”

Raising a Secure Child: How Circle of Security Parenting Can Help You Nurture Your Child’s Attachment, Emotional Resilience, and Freedom to Explore

by Kent Hoffman

“Filled with vivid stories and unique practical tools, this book puts the keys to healthy attachment within everyone’s reach–self-understanding, flexibility, and the willingness to make and learn from mistakes.”

Raising a Sensory Smart Child: The Definitive Handbook for Helping Your Child with Sensory Processing Issues

by Lindsey Beil, M.A. OTR/L and Nancy Peske

“For children with sensory difficulties — those who struggle to process everyday sensations and exhibit unusual behaviors such as avoiding or seeking out touch, movement, sounds, and sights — this groundbreaking book is an invaluable resource.”

Take me back to the top.

BOOKS ABOUT GRIEF AND LOSS

Bearing the Unbearable: Love, Loss, and the Heartbreaking Path of Grief

by Joanne Cacciatore, Ph.D.

“Organized into fifty-two short chapters, ‘Bearing the Unbearable’ is a companion for life’s most difficult times, revealing how grief can open our hearts to connection, compassion, and the very essence of our shared humanity.”

Edna

by Susan Paradis

“This book can be of help to children who suffer from a variety of difficulties – grief, loss, anxiety, bullying, shyness, recent immigration, or other trauma.”

First Aid for Broken Hearts

by Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D.

“Whether you’re struggling with a death, break-up, illness, unwanted life change, or loss of any kind, this book will help you both understand your predicament and figure out what to do about it.”

Holding Space: On Loving, Dying, and Letting Go

by Amy Wright Glenn

“A ‘beautifully written’ book on the spiritual, emotional, and philosophical implications of end-of-life care—by an author and hospital chaplain.”

Take me back to the top.

BOOKS FOR CHILDREN ABOUT GRIEF AND LOSS

In My Heart: A Book of Feelings

by Jo Witek

“‘In My Heart’ explores a full range of emotions, describing how they feel physically, inside, with language that is lyrical but also direct to empower readers to practice articulating and identifying their own emotions.”

Since My Brother Died

by Marisol Munoz-Kiehne

“In this book, the child talks about how things are different since his brother died. In the end, the child realizes his brother is still alive in his heart.”

The Goodbye Book

by Todd Parr

“Touching upon the host of emotions children experience, Todd reminds readers that it’s okay not to know all the answers, and that someone will always be there to support them.”

The Grief Bubble: Helping Kids Explore and Understand Grief

by Kerry DeBay

“‘The Grief Bubble’ is a special workbook for children ages 6 and older who have experienced the death of someone special.”

The Invisible String

by Patrice Karst

“‘The Invisible String’ offers a very simple approach to overcoming loneliness, separation, or loss with an imaginative twist that children easily understand and embrace, and delivers a particularly compelling message in today’s uncertain times.”

The Memory Tree

by Britta Teckentrup

“A beautiful and heartfelt picture book to help children celebrate the memories left behind when a loved one dies.”

The Rabbit Listened

by Cori Doerrfeld

“With its spare, poignant text and irresistibly sweet illustration, ‘The Rabbit Listened’ is about how to comfort and heal the people in your life, by taking the time to carefully, lovingly, gently listen.”

When Dinosaurs Die, A Guide to Understanding Death

by Laurie Krasny Brown and Marc Brown

“Straightforward and comprehensive, this indispensable book is a comforting aid to help young kids and families through a difficult time in their lives.”

Take me back to the top.

TURN THE PAGE ON YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

If you’d like, you can continue learning about and improving your mental and behavioral health through therapy. Thrive offers outpatient therapy as well as treatment programs for individuals struggling with eating disorders and perinatal mental health. Give us a call to learn more about our services.

Thrive’s team is composed of psychiatrists, therapists, primary care physicians, nutritionists, and mindful movement specialists – and they all love a good book! In honor of Health Literacy Month , Thrive’s specialists shared their favorite books about mental and behavioral health, which they often recommend to clients. Topics range from eating disorders and body image to perinatal mental health, parenting, and grief, and also include several selections relating to overall well-being. Peruse a comprehensive list of titles along with the books’ corresponding descriptions below. Now, it’s time to cozy up and get inspired with a good book!

BOOKS ABOUT MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

A Liberated Mind: How to Pivot Toward What Matters

by Steven C. Hayes Ph.D.

“In this landmark book, the originator and pioneering researcher into Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) lays out the psychological flexibility skills that make it one of the most powerful approaches research has yet to offer.”

Accessing the Healing Power of the Vagus Nerve: Self-Help Exercises for Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, and Autism

by Stanley Rosenburg

“Through a series of easy self-help exercises, the book illustrates the simple ways we can regulate the vagus nerve in order to initiate deep relaxation, improve sleep, and recover from injury and trauma.”

Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art 

by James Nestor

“Drawing on thousands of years of medical texts and recent cutting-edge studies in pulmonology, psychology, biochemistry, and human physiology, Breath turns the conventional wisdom of what we thought we knew about our most basic biological function on its head.”

Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle 

by Emily Nagoski Ph.D. and Amelia Nagoski DMA 

“Sisters Emily Nagoski, Ph.D., and Amelia Nagoski, DMA, are here to help end the cycle of feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. Instead of asking us to ignore the very real obstacles and societal pressures that stand between women and well-being, they explain with compassion and optimism what we’re up against—and show us how to fight back.”

Codependent No More: How to Stop Controlling Others and Start Caring for Yourself

by Melody Beattie

“With instructive life stories, personal reflections, exercises, and self-tests, Codependent No More is a simple, straightforward, readable map of the perplexing world of codependency–charting the path to freedom and a lifetime of healing, hope, and happiness.”

Come As You Are: The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life 

by Emily Nagoski, Ph.D. 

“For much of the 20th and 21st centuries, women’s sexuality was an uncharted territory in science, studied far less frequently—and far less seriously—than its male counterpart. That is, until Emily Nagoski’s Come As You Are, which used groundbreaking science and research to prove that the most important factor in creating and sustaining a sex life filled with confidence and joy is not what the parts are or how they’re organized but how you feel about them.”

Man’s Search for Meaning

by Viktor E. Frankl

“‘An enduring work of survival literature,’ according to the New York Times, Viktor Frankl’s riveting account of his time in the Nazi concentration camps, and his insightful exploration of the human will to find meaning in spite of the worst adversity, has offered solace and guidance to generations of readers since it was first published in 1946. At the heart of Frankl’s theory of logotherapy (from the Greek word for “meaning”) is a conviction that the primary human drive is not pleasure, as Freud maintained, but rather the discovery and pursuit of what the individual finds meaningful.”

Rising Strong: How the Ability to Reset Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead

by Brené Brown

“As a grounded theory researcher, Brown has listened as a range of people – from leaders in Fortune 500 companies and the military to artists, couples in long-term relationships, teachers, and parents – shared their stories of being brave, falling, and getting back up. She asked herself, what do these people with strong and loving relationships, leaders nurturing creativity, artists pushing innovation, and clergy walking with people through faith and mystery have in common? The answer was clear: They recognize the power of emotion, and they’re not afraid to lean into discomfort.”

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma 

by Bessel van der Kolk M.D.

“In ‘The Body Keeps the Score’, [Dr. Bessel van der Kolk] uses recent scientific advances to show how trauma literally reshapes both body and brain, compromising sufferers’ capacities for pleasure, engagement, self-control, and trust. He explores innovative treatments—from neurofeedback and meditation to sports, drama, and yoga—that offer new paths to recovery by activating the brain’s natural neuroplasticity.”

The Buddha and the Borderline: My Recovery from Borderline Personality Disorder through Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Buddhism, and Online Dating

by Kiera Van Gelder

“Kiera’s story sheds light on the private struggle to transform suffering into compassion for herself and others, and is essential reading for all seeking to understand what it truly means to recover and reclaim the desire to live.”

The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook: A Proven Way to Accept Yourself, Build Inner Strength, and Thrive

by Kristin Neff, Ph.D. and Christopher Germer, Ph.D.

“This science-based workbook offers a step-by-step approach to breaking free of harsh self-judgments and impossible standards in order to cultivate emotional well-being.” 

The Sleep Solution: Why Your Sleep is Broken and How to Fix It

by W. Chris Winter, M.D.

“‘The Sleep Solution’ is an exciting journey of sleep self-discovery and understanding that will help you custom design specific interventions to fit your lifestyle.” 

Things Might Go Terribly, Horribly Wrong: A Guide to Life Liberated from Anxiety

by Kelly G. Wilson, Ph.D.

“This book approaches the problem of anxiety a little differently than most. Instead of trying to help you overcome or reduce feelings of anxiety, ‘Things Might Go Terribly, Horribly Wrong’ will help you climb inside these feelings, sit in that place, and see what it would be like to have anxiety and still make room in your life to breathe and rest and live — really and truly live — in a way that matters to you.”

What Happened to You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing 

by Bruce D. Perry, M.D., Ph.D. and Oprah Winfrey

“Through deeply personal conversations, Oprah Winfrey and renowned brain and trauma expert Dr. Bruce Perry offer a groundbreaking and profound shift from asking ‘What’s wrong with you?’ to ‘What happened to you?’”

Why Do I Hurt? A Patient Book About the Neuroscience of Pain

by Adriaan Louw, PT, Ph.D., CSMT

“‘Why Do I Hurt?’ teaches patients the science of pain in approachable language with metaphors, examples and images.”

Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams

by Matthew Walker, Ph.D.

“Charting cutting-edge scientific breakthroughs, and synthesizing decades of research and clinical practice, Walker explains how we can harness sleep to improve learning, mood, and energy levels; regulate hormones; prevent cancer, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes; slow the effects of aging; increase longevity; enhance the education and lifespan of our children, and boost the efficiency, success, and productivity of our businesses.”

Take me back to the top.

BOOKS ABOUT EATING DISORDERS AND BODY IMAGE

8 Keys to Recovery from an Eating Disorder: Effective Strategies from Therapeutic Practice and Personal Experience (8 Keys to Mental Health)

by Carolyn Costin and Gwen Schubert Grabb 

“The authors bravely share their unique stories of suffering from and eventually overcoming their own severe eating disorders.”

Anti-Diet: Reclaim Your Time, Money, Well-Being, and Happiness Through Intuitive Eating

by Christy Harrison, MPH, RD

“In ‘Anti-Diet,’ Christy Harrison takes on diet culture and the multi-billion-dollar industries that profit from it, exposing all the ways it robs people of their time, money, health, and happiness.”

Body Image: A Handbook of Science, Practice, and Prevention

by Thomas F. Cash and Linda Smolak

“Contributors review established and emerging theories and findings; probe questions of culture, gender, health, and disorder; and present evidence-based assessment, treatment, and prevention approaches for the full range of body image concerns.” 

Body Respect: What Conventional Health Books Get Wrong, Leave Out, and Just Plain Fail to Understand about Weight

by Linda Bacon, Ph.D. and Lucy Aphramor, Ph.D., RD

“Dr. Linda Bacon and Dr. Lucy Aphramor’s ‘Body Respect’ debunks common myths about weight, including the misconceptions that BMI can accurately measure health, that fatness necessarily leads to disease, and that dieting will improve health.”

Eating Disorders: A Parents’ Guide

by Rachel Bryant-Waugh and Bryan Lask

“Written by two experienced clinicians, this new edition is dedicated to clarifying the subject of eating disorders. Combining an accessible and straightforward introduction to the subject with practical advice, this book represents the first step towards recognising, understanding and dealing with the problem.”

Eating in the Light of the Moon: How Women Can Transform Their Relationship with Food Through Myths, Metaphors, and Storytelling 

by Anita A. Johnston Ph.D. 

“By weaving practical insights and exercises through a rich tapestry of multicultural myths, ancient legends, and folktales, Anita Johnston helps the millions of women preoccupied with their weight discover and address the issues behind their negative attitudes toward food.”

Eating to Lose: Healing From a Life of Diabulimia

by Maryjeanne Hunt 

“A hopeful and empowering memoir of one woman’s struggle with diabulimia, an eating disorder linked to diabetes.”

Fearing the Black Body: The Racial Origins of Fat Phobia

by Sabrina Strings

“An important and original work, ‘Fearing the Black Body’ argues convincingly that fat phobia isn’t about health at all, but rather a means of using the body to validate race, class, and gender prejudice.”

Fed Up! : The Breakthrough Ten-Step, No-Diet Fitness Plan Paperback

by Wendy Oliver-Pyatt, M.D.

“No carb counting, ab rolling, or juicing—instead, Dr. Oliver-Pyatt shows how people can lose weight and develop a healthy attitude toward food—for life.”

Help Your Teenager Beat an Eating Disorder

by James Lock, M.D., Ph.D. and Daniel Le Grange, Ph.D.

“Learn how to monitor your teen’s eating and exercise, manage mealtimes, end weight-related power struggles, and partner successfully with health care providers.”

Helping Your Child with Extreme Picky Eating

by Katja Rowell, M.D. and Jenny McGlothlin, MS, SLP

“You’ll discover specific strategies for dealing with anxiety, low appetite, sensory challenges, autism spectrum-related feeding issues, oral motor delay, and medically-based feeding problems.”

Intuitive Eating: A Revolutionary Anti-Diet Approach

by RDN Evelyn Tribole, MS, RDN and Elyse Resch, MS 

“The authors, both prominent health professionals in the field of nutrition and eating disorders, urge readers to embrace the goal of developing body positivity and reconnecting with one’s internal wisdom about eating―to unlearn everything they were taught about calorie-counting and other aspects of diet culture and to learn about the harm of weight stigma.”

It was Never About the Food: Stories of Recovery from Eating Disorders

by Dr. Tony Paulson, Dr. Eve Snyder, and Mark Gibson, LCSW

“Whether you are someone entering treatment, returning to treatment, supporting someone in treatment, or even contemplating treatment, it is intended to shine a spotlight on the path to recovery. The authors share the stories of four individuals who developed and struggled with an eating disorder and overcame it.”

Life Without Ed: How One Woman Declared Independence from Her Eating Disorder and How You Can Too

by Jenni Schaefer and Thom Rutledge

“Inspiring, compassionate, and filled with practical exercises to help you break up with your own personal E.D., ‘Life Without Ed’ provides hope to the millions of people plagued by eating disorders.”

More Than a Body: Your Body Is an Instrument, Not an Ornament 

by Lexie Kite, Ph.D. and Lindsay Kite, Ph.D.

“With insights drawn from their extensive body image research, Lindsay and Lexie—Ph.D.s and founders of the nonprofit Beauty Redefined (and also twin sisters!)—lay out an action plan that arms you with the skills you need to reconnect with your whole self and free yourself from the constraints of self-objectification.”

My Kid is Back: Empowering Parents to Beat Anorexia Nervosa

by June Alexander and Daniel Le Grange

“‘My Kid is Back’ explains how family-based treatment can greatly reduce the severity of anorexia nervosa in children and adolescents, allowing the sufferer to return to normal eating patterns, and their families to return to normal family life.”

Sick Enough: A Guide to the Medical Complications of Eating Disorders

by Jennifer L. Gaudiani

“‘Sick Enough’ offers patients, their families, and clinicians a comprehensive, accessible review of the medical issues that arise from eating disorders by bringing relatable case presentations and a scientifically sound, engaging style to the topic.”

Why She Feels Fat: Understanding Your Loved One’s Eating Disorder and How You Can Help

by Johanna Marie McShane, Ph.D.  and Tony Paulson, Ph.D.

“Sprinkled with over 100 quotes from recovering individuals, Why She Feels Fat explores eating disorders from the inside out to convey the emotional experience and perspectives of those who have them. Decoding the deeper meaning of the statement “I feel fat” is at the heart of this simple and straightforward book that also includes basic information about eating disorders, such as signs, symptoms, medical complications, causes, approaches to treatment, and stages of recovery.”

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BOOKS ABOUT PERINATAL MENTAL HEALTH

Dropping the Baby and Other Scary Thoughts: Breaking the Cycle of Unwanted Thoughts in Parenthood

by Karen Kleiman, MSW, LCSW  and Amy Wenzel, Ph.D., ABPP

“This accessible guide addresses the nature of the intrusive and unwanted thoughts that can be common in new parenthood, and offers practical answers and advice on how to tackle these.”

Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts: A Healing Guide to the Secret Fears of New Mothers

by Karen Kleiman, MSW, LCSW  and Molly McIntyre

“Lighthearted yet serious, warm yet not sugary, and perfectly portioned for busy moms with full plates, ‘Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts’ is the go-to resource for moms, partners, and families everywhere who need help with this difficult period.”

Movements That Heal: Rhythmic Movement Training and Primitive Reflex Integration 

by Harald Blomberg, M.D.  and Moira Dempsey

“Discusses the developmental and environmental reasons behind many learning, sensory, emotional and behavioural challenges.”

Nurture: A Modern Guide to Pregnancy, Birth, Early Motherhood and Trusting Yourself and Your Body

by Erica Chidi and Jillian Ditner

“Nurture is the only all-in-one pregnancy and birthing book for modern mothers-to-be and their partners who want a more integrative approach.”

Pregnancy and Postpartum Anxiety Workbook: Practical Skills to Help You Overcome Anxiety, Worry, Panic Attacks, Obsessions, and Compulsions 

by Pamela S. Wiegartz, Ph.D., Kevin L. Gyoerkoe, PsyD, et al.

“‘The Pregnancy and Postpartum Anxiety Workbook’ offers powerful strategies grounded in evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help you control your worry, panic, and anxiety.”

The Fifth Trimester: The Working Mom’s Guide to Style, Sanity, and Big Success After Baby

by Lauren Smith Brody 

“‘The Fifth Trimester’ is your one-stop shop for the honest, funny, and comforting tips, to-do lists, and take-charge strategies you’ll need to embrace your new identity as a working parent and set yourself up for success.”

This Isn’t What I Expected: Overcoming Postpartum Depression

by Karen Kleiman, MSW, LCSW  and Valerie Davis Raskin, M.D.

“Written by two postpartum experts, a definitive guide offering compassionate support and solid advice on dealing with every aspect of Postpartum Depression (PPD).”

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BOOKS ABOUT PARENTING

Easy to Love, Difficult to Discipline: The 7 Basic Skills for Turning Conflict into Cooperation

by Becky A. Bailey, Ph.D.

“You love your children, but if you’re like most parents, you don’t always love their behavior. But how can you guide them without resorting to less-than-optimal behavior yourself? Dr. Becky Bailey’s unusual and powerful approach to parenting has made thousands of families happier and healthier.”

The Good Mother Myth: Redefining Motherhood to Fit Reality

by Avital Norman Nathman

“This collection of essays takes a realistic look at motherhood and provides a platform for real voices and raw stories, each adding to the narrative of motherhood we don’t tend to see in the headlines or on the news.”

The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind 

by Daniel J. Siegel, M.D. and Tina Payne Bryson, Ph.D.

“In this pioneering, practical book, Daniel J. Siegel, neuropsychiatrist and author of the bestselling Mindsight, and parenting expert Tina Payne Bryson offer a revolutionary approach to child rearing with twelve key strategies that foster healthy brain development, leading to calmer, happier children.”

The Wholehearted Parenting Manifesto

by Brené Brown

A manifesto for parents from Brené Brown’s ‘Daring Greatly’ available for download. 

Parenting from the Inside Out: How a Deeper Self-Understanding Can Help You Raise Children Who Thrive

by Daniel J. Siegel, M.D.  and Mary Hartzell, M.Ed.

“In ‘Parenting from the Inside Out,’ child psychiatrist Daniel J. Siegel, M.D., and early childhood expert Mary Hartzell, M.Ed., explore the extent to which our childhood experiences shape the way we parent.”

Raising a Secure Child: How Circle of Security Parenting Can Help You Nurture Your Child’s Attachment, Emotional Resilience, and Freedom to Explore

by Kent Hoffman

“Filled with vivid stories and unique practical tools, this book puts the keys to healthy attachment within everyone’s reach–self-understanding, flexibility, and the willingness to make and learn from mistakes.” 

Raising a Sensory Smart Child: The Definitive Handbook for Helping Your Child with Sensory Processing Issues  

by Lindsey Beil, M.A. OTR/L and Nancy Peske

“For children with sensory difficulties — those who struggle to process everyday sensations and exhibit unusual behaviors such as avoiding or seeking out touch, movement, sounds, and sights — this groundbreaking book is an invaluable resource.”

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BOOKS ABOUT GRIEF AND LOSS

Bearing the Unbearable: Love, Loss, and the Heartbreaking Path of Grief 

by Joanne Cacciatore, Ph.D.

“Organized into fifty-two short chapters, ‘Bearing the Unbearable’ is a companion for life’s most difficult times, revealing how grief can open our hearts to connection, compassion, and the very essence of our shared humanity.” 

Edna

by Susan Paradis

“This book can be of help to children who suffer from a variety of difficulties – grief, loss, anxiety, bullying, shyness, recent immigration, or other trauma.”

First Aid for Broken Hearts 

by Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D.

“Whether you’re struggling with a death, break-up, illness, unwanted life change, or loss of any kind, this book will help you both understand your predicament and figure out what to do about it.”

Holding Space: On Loving, Dying, and Letting Go

by Amy Wright Glenn

“A ‘beautifully written’ book on the spiritual, emotional, and philosophical implications of end-of-life care—by an author and hospital chaplain.”

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BOOKS FOR CHILDREN ABOUT GRIEF AND LOSS

In My Heart: A Book of Feelings 

by Jo Witek

“‘In My Heart’ explores a full range of emotions, describing how they feel physically, inside, with language that is lyrical but also direct to empower readers to practice articulating and identifying their own emotions.”

Since My Brother Died

by Marisol Munoz-Kiehne

“In this book, the child talks about how things are different since his brother died. In the end, the child realizes his brother is still alive in his heart.”

The Goodbye Book  

by Todd Parr

“Touching upon the host of emotions children experience, Todd reminds readers that it’s okay not to know all the answers, and that someone will always be there to support them.”

The Grief Bubble: Helping Kids Explore and Understand Grief  

by Kerry DeBay

“‘The Grief Bubble’ is a special workbook for children ages 6 and older who have experienced the death of someone special.”

The Invisible String 

by Patrice Karst 

“‘The Invisible String’ offers a very simple approach to overcoming loneliness, separation, or loss with an imaginative twist that children easily understand and embrace, and delivers a particularly compelling message in today’s uncertain times.”

The Memory Tree 

by Britta Teckentrup 

“A beautiful and heartfelt picture book to help children celebrate the memories left behind when a loved one dies.”

The Rabbit Listened 

by Cori Doerrfeld

“With its spare, poignant text and irresistibly sweet illustration, ‘The Rabbit Listened’ is about how to comfort and heal the people in your life, by taking the time to carefully, lovingly, gently listen.”

When Dinosaurs Die, A Guide to Understanding Death 

by Laurie Krasny Brown  and Marc Brown

“Straightforward and comprehensive, this indispensable book is a comforting aid to help young kids and families through a difficult time in their lives.”

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TURN THE PAGE ON YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

If you’d like, you can continue learning about and improving your mental and behavioral health through therapy. Thrive offers outpatient therapy as well as treatment programs for individuals struggling with eating disorders and perinatal mental health . Give us a call to learn more about our services. 

Download our free wellness guide.

Discover the power of small, sustainable changes with "How to Thrive: 10 Simple Habits for Healthy Living." This guide offers practical, easy-to-follow habits that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

By Brianna Villalpando, LMSW, LCSW March 19, 2025
Teen eating disorders are serious. As a parent or caregiver, one of the most difficult situations you can face is noticing that your teen may be struggling with a basic human need like eating. Adolescence is already a rough period for many teens filled with fluctuating emotions, changing bodies, and social pressures. However, sometimes coping with these challenges can manifest in unhealthy ways, like developing complicated relationships with food, body image, control, or exercise. Many teens face body image issues as their bodies mature, excessive pressure to meet unrealistic expectations fueled by social media and peers, and emotional instability and anxiety during their adolescent years, all of which can combine to create the perfect storm for an eating disorder. These challenges can often make your teen more vulnerable to unhealthy coping mechanisms , such as restricting food intake, excessive exercise, or engaging in disordered eating behaviors . If you’ve started noticing signs that something may not be right, it’s essential to take action to help your teen get the support they need. Recognizing the Signs of an Eating Disorder Eating disorders can vary in appearance, but there are some common signs and symptoms to watch for. If you notice any of the following behaviors or changes in your teen, it may indicate a problem that requires further attention: Preoccupation with body image : Teens with eating disorders often show increased focus on their weight or appearance, frequently expressing dissatisfaction with their body. Excessive discussions about dieting : If your teen frequently talks about dieting, food restriction, “getting skinny,” or often makes weight-related comments, this could be a red flag. Obsession with calorie counts : Teens who are obsessed with tracking every calorie, comparing the caloric content of foods, or controlling their calorie-intake may be struggling with an eating disorder. Skipping meals : Frequently skipping meals or not eating regularly is a common sign that something is wrong. Eating in isolation : Eating alone or avoiding family meals may signal discomfort with eating or shame around food. Excessive exercising : Over-exercising or using exercise as a way to purge calories can also point to an eating disorder. Spending long amounts of time in the bathroom : This could be a sign of emerging or purging behaviors, such as vomiting after meals. Hoarding foods : Hiding food or being secretive about eating may indicate issues with food control and secrecy around eating habits. Irregular periods or thinning hair : In females, a disruption in menstrual cycles or thinning hair can be physical signs of the effects of an eating disorder on the body. How Can I Talk to My Teen About Eating Disorders in a Supportive Way? Approaching a conversation about eating disorders with your child requires sensitivity and care. It's important to emphasize empathy and understanding, conveying that your primary concern is your teen's health and well-being. Initiating this conversation compassionately can create an environment of trust and openness to explore the problem. Selecting a calm, comfortable, and private setting is vital so your teen feels safe discussing a sensitive topic that may cause them to feel anxiety or shame. Effective communication hinges on using open-ended questions and active listening. Encourage your teen to share their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. By actively listening, you validate their experience, making them feel heard and understood. Before diving into the conversation, educating yourself about eating disorders can provide a solid foundation for discussing the issue knowledgeably. Some quick preparation with research allows you to dispel myths and provide accurate information when you talk to your teen. Why It's Crucial to Seek Medical Help When you notice warning signs, it’s important not to wait to get help. Eating disorders can be life-threatening, both physically and emotionally. They take a serious toll on a teen’s health, affecting their metabolism, hormonal function, and overall well-being. Beyond the physical impact, eating disorders can often involve deeply ingrained psychological and emotional challenges, such as low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and trauma. After an initial conversation, the first step is to schedule an appointment with a medical provider. Your teen’s primary care doctor or a pediatrician can help evaluate their physical health and provide guidance for next steps. Be prepared to discuss the specific behaviors or signs you’ve observed, as this will help your provider better understand the situation. The doctor may conduct a physical examination, lab tests, and discuss your teen's emotional and psychological state. Building a Support Team Once you’ve taken the first step to ensure your teen’s immediate medical needs are addressed, it’s time to build a multidisciplinary treatment team . This may include: Therapists : A licensed, specially trained therapist who specializes in eating disorders or adolescent mental health can help your teen address the emotional and psychological root causes of their disorder. Medical doctors : Your teen’s doctor can monitor their physical health during the recovery process, ensuring they are safe while navigating the challenges of nourishing their body. Nutritionists or dietitians : A professional who specializes in eating disorders can create a nutrition plan tailored to your teen’s specific needs and help them rebuild a healthy relationship with food. Psychiatrists : In some cases, medication may be prescribed to address underlying mental health issues contributing to their behavior. Act Quickly and Seek Professional Guidance It’s crucial to act as soon as you recognize signs of an eating disorder in your teen. The longer eating disorders go untreated, the harder they can be to overcome. Recovery from an eating disorder is a complex journey, involving both physical and mental obstacles to tackle. It can be incredibly difficult for both the teen and the family to manage this process at home without professional support. A well coordinated team of medical providers, therapists, and eating disorder specialists is essential in guiding your teen through their recovery. This team can help monitor your teen’s progress, provide emotional support, and ensure that your teen is getting the care they need for both short and long-term recovery. Supporting Your Teen on Their Recovery Journey Eating disorders are serious, but with the right care and support, recovery is possible. If you suspect that your teen may have an eating disorder, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Seek medical advice first, and build a support team of professionals who can work together to provide comprehensive care. Eating disorders are complex, and it’s not something you or your teen should have to face alone. Taking swift action and offering compassionate support will help your teen regain control of their health and their life so that they can thrive through their adolescence and beyond. At Thrive, we offer specialized treatment for anorexia, bulimia, binge-eating disorder, and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). Our adolescent intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization programs have not only changed lives, but saved them. If you believe your teen is struggling, don't hesitate to reach out for help, we are ready to conduct a complimentary intake assessment today. To learn more about eating disorders, download our free guide "Recovery is Real" filled with practical insights and strategies to help a loved one navigate the journey toward recovery.
By Brianna Villalpando March 12, 2025
It can be difficult to know when it's time to reach out for help. We often try to manage stress, anxiety, sadness, or relationship issues on our own, thinking it’s just a phase or something we can work through to “get over.” But sometimes, these feelings or behaviors persist and can start affecting our overall mental and emotional well-being. The truth is, seeking therapy shouldn't be a last resort. Therapy is a valuable tool for anyone looking to better understand themselves, improve their emotional health, and work through life’s challenges. If you’ve been wondering whether it’s time to seek therapy, there are a few key factors to consider when performing a self-evaluation. Here are five signs that it might be time to reach out for additional support: 1. Is My Mood Affecting My Life or Relationships? One of the most telling signs that you may need support is noticing that your mood is negatively impacting your daily life or interpersonal relationships. Have you noticed an increase in conflict with friends, family, or colleagues? Are you feeling stuck in patterns of negativity that seem hard to shake? If your mood is affecting how you function at work, school, or in your personal life, it may be time to talk to a therapist. Pay attention to your behaviors; are you withdrawing from activities you usually enjoy? Are you reacting more intensely to situations than usual? If your emotional state is beginning to impact your relationships, interactions, or your ability to move through everyday life, a therapist can help you explore underlying causes and develop tools to improve your social wellness. 2. Am I Isolating Myself to Avoid Conflict? There’s a big difference between being introverted and isolating yourself as a way to avoid conflict. If you find yourself consistently pulling away from social situations, not because you need time to recharge, but because you’re avoiding uncomfortable conversations or emotional confrontations, this could be a sign of a deeper issue. It’s natural to want to avoid tension or discomfort, but consistent isolation can worsen feelings of loneliness and make it even harder to work through conflicts. Therapy can help you learn healthy coping mechanisms, problem-solving and communication skills, so you can feel more comfortable facing conflict in a productive way rather than shutting down or avoiding it at the cost of self-isolation. 3. Are My Emotions Out of Control? Do you ever feel like your emotions are so overwhelming that you can't regain control? If you're finding it difficult to calm yourself down, quiet your thoughts, or manage your feelings, this might be a sign that therapy could be helpful. Emotions like anger, disgust, fear, anxiety, or sadness are natural, but if they start taking over your thoughts and actions, it can be exhausting and difficult to complete daily tasks. A therapist can help you understand why your emotions are so intense and teach you strategies to regulate them and regain a sense of balance. 4. Have I Experienced Trauma That’s Affecting My Daily Life? Trauma comes in many forms, it could be from a single incident or from ongoing experiences that have affected your sense of safety, connection, or well-being. Sometimes, trauma is tied to experiences in childhood, but it can also be linked to recent events, like accidents, loss, or abuse. If you've experienced trauma and are struggling to perform basic daily tasks or meet your needs, therapy can be incredibly beneficial. Unresolved trauma can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, or being stuck in past experiences. A trauma-informed therapist can help you process these experiences, understand their impact on your life, and work toward healing and recovery. 5. Am I Hurting Myself or Others? If your mood or behaviors are causing you to hurt yourself or others, it’s crucial to seek help immediately. Whether it’s through emotional or physical self-harm , or unintentionally inflicting harm on the people around you, this is a serious sign to find support from mental health professionals. A therapist can provide a safe, nonjudgmental space to talk about what you’re going through and help you work toward healthier ways of coping. If you’re in immediate danger or experiencing thoughts of self harm, it’s essential to reach out for help as soon as possible. There’s no shame in seeking support when you're struggling with harmful thoughts or actions. Why is Professional Mental Health Support Necessary? Although there may be barriers to seeking therapy, reaching out for professional mental health support is worth it to address the emotional and psychological issues that you shouldn’t have to deal with alone. Therapists have the knowledge and tools needed to guide you through your struggles, offering insights and solutions that aren’t available outside of the therapeutic setting. Their expertise promises not only a deeper understanding of your challenges, but the application of practical methods and skills to resolve them in your everyday life. Additionally, trained mental health professionals offer personalized strategies and coping mechanisms tailored to your unique situation and needs. These strategies are informed by evidence-based practices and a therapist’s experience working with and healing emotional and mental struggles. Personalized therapy helps clients receive the most relevant and effective guidance for their personal challenges. Embracing the Journey Toward Mental Wellness Recognizing that you might need support is the first step toward feeling better and getting the most out of life. Therapy isn’t just for when things are at their worst; it’s a proactive way to improve your emotional health, work through challenges, and build skills for resilience. If you relate to any of these situations, it might be time to reach out and explore therapy as an option. It’s okay to need help, and you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. If you’re unsure whether therapy is right for you, consider talking to a mental health professional to discuss your concerns and explore specialized support options available to you. You deserve to feel your best, and therapy can be a stepping stone to help you reach your goals. Are you in need of support? At Thrive Wellness, we offer personalized therapy and treatment to support you in whatever you're going through, don't be afraid to reach out for help . We also offer a FREE comprehensive guide to wellness in our “How to Thrive” guide . This guide offers practical, easy-to-follow habits that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Start your journey towards a balanced and fulfilling life today with these simple yet transformative steps.
By Sage Tippie February 14, 2025
This Eating Disorders Awareness Month, we’re focusing on fighting the misinformation and stereotypes surrounding eating disorders that so often create barriers to diagnosis and treatment. Myths about eating disorders can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and keep people from receiving effective and timely treatment when they need it. It’s no secret that the field of eating disorders is riddled with misinformation, leading to confusion, stigma, and shame for those struggling. In this blog post, we'll explore the common myths about eating disorders and fight them with concrete facts in the hopes of building a more informed and educated community when it comes to these serious mental health conditions. Eating Disorder Myths Versus Facts Myth: Only those who are medically underweight have an eating disorder. Fact: Someone can have an eating disorder at any weight. In fact, less than 6% of those diagnosed with an eating disorder are medically underweight. There is even a specific diagnosis for those who are not underweight showing the symptoms of anorexia called atypical anorexia. People of all sizes are at risk for serious complications from an eating disorder, not just those that are underweight. Myth: Only women have eating disorders Fact: Although often associated with teen girls, eating disorders can affect those of any gender and age. While stereotypes and stigma surrounding eating disorders may tell us that men are not commonly affected by them, research has found that nearly 25% of those who present for eating disorder treatment are male. Keeping an open mind around who can be affected by eating disorders allows for more accurate and timely diagnosis and treatment for those who need it. Myth: Eating disorders are just about food. Facts: While eating disorders always involve an unhealthy relationship with food or body image, they also are rooted in biological, psychological and sociocultural aspects. Eating disorders cannot be treated just by changing eating behaviors, but by addressing the mental aspect of the illness as well. This is why integrated treatment involving a team of social workers, primary care specialists, therapists, and in some cases occupational therapists or psychiatrists is so crucial: a holistic approach is needed to treat all aspects of an eating disorder. Myth: Eating disorders aren’t that serious. Fact: Eating disorders are extremely serious and life-threatening mental disorders that require dedicated treatment. In fact, anorexia nervosa has the second highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder. By taking eating disorders and their diagnosis and treatment seriously, we can save lives. Myth: Eating disorders are a choice. Fact: Just like any other illness, eating disorders are not a choice or a phase, nor is recovery from an eating disorder just a simple decision to start eating more or less. Recovery is not dependent on willpower, but on ongoing professional treatment and long-term support. The recovery process can be lengthy and challenging, requiring patience and a supportive environment and team on your side. It is a gradual, step-by-step journey, rather than an instantaneous decision made on one person’s part. Myth: Eating disorders always involve negative body image. Fact: Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) does not have to do with body image. Those with ARFID may avoid many foods because of texture, taste, color, or smell, or feared outcomes of eating like choking or vomiting. Like any other eating disorder, ARFID is serious and requires specialized treatment like exposure-response prevention therapy. Myth: Eating disorders only affect White people. Fact: Although Black, Latina/o/x/e, Indigenous/Native, and Asian people are historically underrepresented in studies of eating disorders, large-scale studies have found that rates of eating disorders are the same or higher in all racial and ethnic groups as compared to white individuals (NEDA). Removing racial stereotypes around eating disorders can help to remove barriers that BIPOC individuals commonly face when seeking treatment. Dispelling the Myths: A Path Towards Understanding By addressing and dispelling these myths, we can create a safe space that promotes understanding and empathy. Eating disorders are not choices or phases, but debilitating mental health issues that can affect anyone. Recognizing the seriousness of these disorders is so important in reducing stigma and ensuring that those who are struggling receive the care and support they require. This month and every month, we encourage you to fight misinformation and stick up for those experiencing eating disorders, because knowledge and education can be one of the greatest assets to recovery for those who need it. If you or someone you know is in need of eating disorder support, don’t be afraid to reach out , our team of healthcare professionals are here for you. To learn more about eating disorders and the journey to recovery, download our free eating disorders guide .
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