Challenging Stereotypes, Embracing Vulnerability, and Building a Healthier Self-Image

Body image issues are often viewed as a “female problem,” but that’s a myth — and a dangerous one. Body dysmorphia affects people of all genders, and growing evidence shows that boys and men are struggling in silence.

From obsessing over muscle size to extreme dieting, excessive exercise, or constant mirror-checking, body dysmorphic symptoms in males often go unrecognized, misdiagnosed, or dismissed. As a result, many suffer for years without support.

Many people who live with eating disorders can't point to a single moment when it all began. Instead, what starts as seemingly “normal” behaviors — skipping meals, counting calories, following food rules — slowly, quietly, and insidiously evolves into something much harder to escape.

This slow slide is what makes disordered eating so dangerous: it doesn’t always start as a disorder, but for many, it becomes one.

When we think about bullying, we often think of someone else: a harsh classmate, an online troll, a toxic peer group. But for many people—especially those navigating eating disorders, anxiety, or trauma—the harshest voice they hear isn’t external.

It’s internal.
And it sounds like their own.

Self-criticism is one of the most common yet overlooked forms of emotional self-harm. It often hides behind the guise of “motivation” or “self-discipline,” but over time, it chips away at self-esteem, mental health, and the capacity to heal.

In this post, we explore what self-criticism really is, why it develops, and how to begin replacing it with something far more healing: self-kindness.

When emotions come on fast and strong — panic, shame, flashbacks, or the urge to engage in harmful behaviors — it can feel like you're spinning out of control. In these moments, it's hard to think clearly, and harder still to remember what helps.

That's where grounding techniques come in.

Grounding is the practice of bringing your mind and body back to the present moment. It helps interrupt intense emotional or sensory states, especially during anxiety, dissociation, or urges tied to trauma, self-harm, or eating disorders.

This post offers emergency grounding strategies you can use anytime, anywhere to help your nervous system settle. These aren’t meant to replace deeper therapeutic work — but they can be a powerful part of a safety toolkit.

Mirrors can be a complicated and emotional trigger in eating disorder recovery. For many, they become a tool for self-criticism, body-checking, or reinforcing negative thoughts. But do mirrors have to be the enemy? Not necessarily.

With time, boundaries, and self-compassion, mirrors can become a neutral or even positive part of your healing journey. Here’s how to navigate your relationship with mirrors in recovery.

Grocery shopping can feel overwhelming, stressful, or even triggering when navigating eating disorder recovery. The store is full of labels, diet culture messaging, and decision fatigue, which can make it a challenging experience.

But with the right strategies, mindset shifts, and self-compassion, grocery shopping can become a more neutral and even empowering experience.

For many families, mealtimes are meant to be moments of connection and nourishment. But when a child or teen is struggling with disordered eating, ARFID, anxiety, or appetite loss, meals can quickly become tense, exhausting battlegrounds.

Eating disorder recovery isn’t linear — and sometimes the biggest wins are quiet, internal, or easy to overlook. While we often focus on the red flags (and those are important), it's equally vital to celebrate the green flags — the signs that recovery is taking root, even in small ways.

Recovery from an eating disorder is not just about eating differently — it’s about relating to suffering differently.

In the self-compassion and mindfulness world, “The Three Difficulties” is a framework introduced by meditation teacher Tara Brach, rooted in Buddhist psychology and supported by trauma-informed care.

These difficulties show up over and over again in eating disorder treatment. But when they’re brought into the light, they can become powerful gateways to healing

Triggers are situations, emotions, thoughts, or experiences that activate disordered eating behaviors or negative self-talk. Recognizing your personal triggers can help you create a plan to manage them effectively and protect your recovery.

Fear food exposure is a technique used in eating disorder recovery to help you gradually reintroduce foods that cause anxiety and break free from food-related fears. It allows you to retrain your brain, rebuild trust with your body, and ultimately enjoy all foods without guilt or stress.

Eating at a restaurant can feel overwhelming, stressful, or triggering in eating disorder recovery. Preparing ahead of time can help reduce anxiety, increase confidence, and create a more positive dining experience.

This playlist is designed to calm your mind, ease anxiety, and promote self-healing during meditation, deep breathing, or mindful reflection.

Music has the power to heal, soothe, and uplift—especially in eating disorder recovery and mental health healing. The songs you love can become a source of comfort, motivation, and emotional release.

Art therapy is a powerful tool in eating disorder (ED) recovery, offering a non-verbal way to process emotions, challenge negative thoughts, and reconnect with the body. It helps individuals express feelings that may be difficult to put into words, promoting healing and self-discovery.

Equine-assisted therapy is a unique and effective approach to eating disorder (ED) recovery that involves interacting with horses to promote emotional healing, self-awareness, and body acceptance. Unlike traditional talk therapy, equine therapy engages individuals in nonverbal, hands-on experiences that help develop trust, emotional regulation, and self-confidence.

Art therapy is a powerful tool in eating disorder (ED) recovery, offering a non-verbal way to process emotions, challenge negative thoughts, and reconnect with the body. It helps individuals express feelings that may be difficult to put into words, promoting healing and self-discovery.

Eating disorder recovery can be emotionally exhausting, overwhelming, and frustrating—but humor can be a powerful coping tool that makes the journey a little lighter. While eating disorders are serious, finding moments of laughter can ease anxiety, reduce stress, and help reframe difficult situations.

Puberty is a critical period for physical, emotional, and psychological development, but it can also be a high-risk time for the onset of eating disorders. The combination of hormonal changes, body image concerns, social pressures, and emotional shifts makes adolescents more vulnerable to developing disordered eating behaviors.