Managing “Mom Guilt” and Practicing Self-Forgiveness as a Parent

Thrive • May 3, 2022

By Thrive Reno Therapist Ann Edgington, LCSW

Guilt and shame are widely experienced by caregivers of children. In a study of 2000 American parents , participants reported feeling an average of 23 pangs of guilt every single week, and 75 percent reported feeling pressure to be “perfect” from friends, family, and social media. Another study showed that compared to non-parents, parents are more likely to feel guilty about allowing themselves time for self-care. In a society that places immense expectations on parents, guilt and shame can cause caregivers to doubt their decision-making and neglect their own well-being.

Although the term “mom guilt” singles out moms — likely due to societal norms that hold moms as the primary caregivers to their children — guilt and shame are common emotions that parents of all genders can and do experience. In this blog, we’ve used the well-known term “mom guilt” to describe any parental feelings of guilt and shame that can be felt by all caregivers, regardless of gender.

Further, people who identify specifically as moms aren’t by any means the only individuals that can face the circumstances outlined in this blog, and neither are they the only ones who can benefit from our suggestions for mitigating guilt and shame. We hope this is a resource that can provide helpful insight to all parents and caregivers.

“MOM GUILT” AND SHAME

Caring deeply for their children and wanting the absolute best for them, almost all parents experience some level of guilt related to their caretaker roles. Parenting is overwhelming as is, but the pressure is only made worse by the current culture of parenting which can be highly judgemental, full of conflicting information, and often leaves little space for self-compassion and self-care — a perfect equation for feelings of guilt and shame.

“Mom guilt” and shame can be defined as feelings of inadequacy about meeting the demands of one’s:

Child(ren)
Relationships
Household
Profession
Oneself

In my clinical practice, many of my clients express just as much shame around being a mom as they do guilt. Guilt is feeling as if you did something bad, shame is feeling as if you are bad. When a person experiences shame, they may mistakenly feel that they’re inadequate as a parent.

Sources of “mom guilt” and shame may be internally-fueled by expectations one had for themself before becoming a parent or externally-based on outside opinions and expectations.

Internally, parents may be influenced by:

How they were raised: Many parents naturally draw on childhood memories of their own caregivers to help inform their parenting. If they feel as if the quality of their parenting falls short of these memories, they may spiral into feelings of guilt and shame. Alternatively, if they feel their caregivers didn’t meet certain physical or emotional needs, birthing parents may feel heightened pressure to provide better care than they received.
Internal expectations: Striving for perfection, parents may overextend themselves and feel guilty or ashamed when they aren’t able to meet their own expectations. In striving to meet these sometimes unrealistic expectations, parents may be sacrificing their own needs, desires, and well-being.
Desire to return to life before their babies: Birthing parents may be influenced by ideals of returning to the body image, energy levels, and activities they had before having their babies. They may misplace blame on themselves when the characteristics of their life as a birthing parent don’t match the elements of their life before child(ren).

Externally, parents may be influenced by:

Personal relationships: The outward expression of others’ opinions on parenting, especially when coming from loved ones, can greatly influence parents.
Media: While often misleading and inaccurate, media portrayals of being a parent can have a strong influence on parents.
Societal expectations for birthing parents to do it all: Unreasonable pressures for birthing parents to be responsible for and in control of all aspects of their families’ lives set birthing parents up for failure.
Stigmas around being a stay-at-home parent vs. a working parent : The conflicting perspectives and judgments about being a stay-at-home parent vs. a working parent can overwhelm parents.

Left unaddressed, guilt and shame can become so cumbersome that they impact parents’ abilities to manage activities of daily living and intensify any other mental, behavioral, and physical health struggles.

RISK FACTORS FOR “MOM GUILT” AND SHAME

Exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) , or potentially traumatic events that occurred during one’s childhood
Personal or family history of mental health challenges
History of self-esteem or body image challenges
Existing tension in important relationships, such as with one’s partner, other children, or support system
Traumatic stress from previous life experiences
Any other risk factors associated with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs)

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF “MOM GUILT” AND SHAME

Negative self-talk
Feelings of inadequacy
Self-judgment
Heightened irritation with oneself and others
Difficulty sleeping, resting, or settling down
Black and white thinking patterns, such as, “I’m a good parent” or “I’m a bad parent”
Feelings of anxiety and depression , especially concerning one’s sense of self
Always feeling like they’re not doing enough
Feeling selfish when meeting one’s basic needs, such as showering, eating, resting, or having alone time

EXAMPLES OF “MOM GUILT” AND SHAME

The challenges of adapting to parenthood are unique for each individual. As one assumes a new or renewed role in caring for their child(ren), it’s realistic to experience guilt and shame, especially while navigating the natural shift in priorities, energy reserves, and stress levels. As evidenced below, there are many circumstances that may evoke feelings of guilt and shame for parents as they assume new and different responsibilities.

Attention and Availability

Many parents feel guilty about not being as available or attentive to their relationships as they were before the birth of their babies. These relationships may include:

Their partner
Their older child(ren)
Extended family members
Friends
Employer, coworkers, or other professional relationships
Church community or other social groups
Any other relationship they previously felt a part of

Body Image and Appearance

Birthing parents also commonly feel guilty or ashamed about not looking a certain way both during and after pregnancy. There are many culturally misleading messages about what a “healthy” pregnant and postpartum body should look like. Many individuals have been exposed to these messages long before becoming pregnant. Additionally, parents may find themselves putting less emphasis on their appearances as their priorities shift and may feel self-conscious about those shifted priorities. This is an experience that birthing parents of all genders may struggle within postpartum.

Intimacy and Sex

Birthing parents may experience guilt or shame about having a diminished interest in intimacy and sex. They may be feeling like they should be more “into” intimacy or sex with their partner. Or, they may feel as if they’re not giving their partner enough intimate or romantic attention.

There are many possible reasons that birthing parents may feel less interested in intimacy and sex, including:

Feeling “touched out” or physically overstimulated from caring for their child(ren)
Having a traumatic birth that is impacting their relationship with their body
Experience of pregnancy and/or birth triggered memories of previous sexual trauma
Feeling violated or unheard by medical providers during pregnancy or childbirth
Still healing from the physical effects of giving birth
Experiencing pain during sex because of birth-related circumstances or injury
Feeling exhausted from lack of sleep
Feeling emotionally disconnected or resentful of their partner

Traumatic Birth Experience

When births don’t go as expected, birthing parents may feel somehow responsible. For parents with babies in the NICU, feeling a lack of control over their situation may also contribute to intense feelings of guilt and shame.

Household Cleanliness and Visitors

Parents may feel as if their homes should be cleaner or more organized. They may have thoughts such as, “Why can’t I just keep the house clean?” or “People want to come visit the baby, but the house is a mess.” Similarly, parents may experience guilt or shame about feeling too tired to entertain visitors.

The Baby’s Sleep Quality

Many parents experience guilt or shame related to the way their babies are sleeping, where they’re sleeping, how long they’re sleeping, or the process of putting them to sleep. Often, the immense amount of information on the internet about infant sleep combined with the opinions of others fuels this guilt and shame, when in reality, what works best differs baby by baby and family by family.

The Baby’s Method of Eating

Parents who find that their method(s) of feeding their babies differs from what they expected may experience guilt or shame. Other times, parents may hear messages about how they “should” feed their babies that can foster feelings of guilt and shame. Just as with sleeping, feeding styles, preferences, and solutions can vary greatly between households.

Developmental Milestones

Parents sometimes feel guilty or ashamed when their children don’t meet developmental milestones exactly “on time.” The societal narrative around parenthood largely holds parents responsible for exposing their children to enriching activities, propagating the thought pattern of, “If my child isn’t meeting milestones, it’s because I’m not doing enough for their development.”

Caretaker Burnout

Parents may feel guilty about experiencing exhaustion and boredom around caretaking for their child(ren) and jealous if their partner returns to work outside the home. Throughout their day, a parent staying home may not have the opportunity to talk to anyone but small children. If they have an infant, they may not even have a chance to speak with anyone all day.

Parenting Responses

When reacting to their children, such as in soothing, bonding, or setting limits, parents may experience guilt about making any mistakes, not feeling present enough, or feeling irritable.

STRATEGIES FOR MITIGATING “MOM GUILT”

When experiencing feelings of guilt and shame as a parent, it can be beneficial to approach parenting with self-compassion by extending yourself the same kindness you would to others. Consider the strategies below for managing “mom guilt” and shame, while also knowing that perfection is impossible and doing your best is enough.

Make yourself aware: Seriously examine the cultural messages about parenting you’re exposed to, and recognize when you’re telling yourself what you “should” or “shouldn’t” be doing.
Sleep and eat: Prioritize your sleep and nutritional needs however possible. When you’re well-rested and nourished, you can be more present for your child, which is the most enriching element for their development.
Be honest: Communicate openly with your partner about how you’re feeling physically and emotionally. Together, explore ways that your partner can support you, including giving you more time to be ready for intimacy. If you’re a single parent, make sure to be honest with your friends, family, and support system about the state of your mental well-being. That way, they can know how to best assist you in navigating single parenthood.
Try an alternative self-care practice: Activities such as postnatal yoga and pelvic floor physical therapy can help the muscles of the pelvic floor return to normal functioning post-partum.
Learn more about your sexuality: The book Come as You Are by Emily Nagoski is an excellent resource for exploring intimacy-related challenges.
Forgive yourself for feeling less present with your baby: Know that your bond with your baby is strengthened over the course of many interactions together. The connection can’t be broken just because you feel less present than you typically do at times.
Process your birth story: It can be helpful to speak with a trusted person or professional about your pregnancy and birth experience to gain a better understanding of how the experience affected you.
Ask questions: If there are aspects of your pregnancy care or birth experience that you’d like more information about from your provider, know that you’re always entitled to ask those questions.
Consider community support groups: Attending a parent support group can help normalize the guilt and shame you may be feeling and can allow you to foster meaningful connections with others who can relate and empathize. Thrive Wellness Reno offers a weekly virtual perinatal mental health support group to help parents confidentiality embrace their roles.
Resist the urge to isolate: Speaking with people you trust can help validate your emotions while providing you with a more compassionate perspective.
Consider seeking mental health treatment: A therapist can guide you in processing your experience, normalizing your feelings, and reducing the intensity of your symptoms.

MENTAL, BEHAVIORAL, AND PRIMARY HEALTH CARE FOR PARENTS AT THRIVE

At Thrive, we specialize in perinatal mental, behavioral, and medical care. Our perinatal experts can support your parenting journey through psychiatry, therapy, medical care, as well as nutrition and movement support so you can approach parenting with self-compassion, empowerment, and excitement. Our health care services for parents vary by location. Reach out to learn more about our offerings.

About the Author

Thrive Reno Therapist Ann Edgington, LCSW

Ann Edgington, LCSW, is originally from Chicago, Illinois, and received her master’s degree in social work from Loyola University Chicago. For nearly a decade, she has been working with children, families, and adults who have experienced trauma. Currently, Ann also supports adults and family systems who are experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.

Her background in infant and early childhood mental health combined with previous roles as a health educator, child welfare case manager, and clinical social worker in middle and high schools led her to further explore family and perinatal work. She has completed training and national rostering in Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) and is currently working to obtain a certification in perinatal mental health (PMH-C). Ann is passionate about working with children and adults to process life experiences, explore how trauma lives in the body, and heal relationships through attachment-focused and evidence-based practices. With compassion, she helps children, parents, and caregivers with issues of attachment, parenting, and children’s mental well-being.

The post Managing “Mom Guilt” and Practicing Self-Forgiveness as a Parent first appeared on Thrive Wellness.

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What to Do if You Think Your Teen Has an Eating Disorder

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.

Signs It’s Time to See a Therapist: How to Know When You Need Support

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.

Breaking Down Barriers: Debunking the Most Common Eating Disorder Myths

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 .