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.

It’s completely valid to feel like your eating disorder is not the real problem—because in many ways, it isn’t. Eating disorders are not just about food, weight, or body image; they are often a symptom of something deeper—unresolved emotions, trauma, anxiety, perfectionism, or the need for control.

If you’re feeling this way, let’s explore what’s underneath your eating disorder and how to navigate recovery with this understanding.