For people who have co-occurring depression, OCD or anxiety, and eating disorders, there is a double stigma that can present an additional challenge for well-being and recovery. Successfully coping with this demands clarity and factual information about these disorders to overturn the negative, incorrect and painful beliefs that burden those dealing with them.

Negative viewpoints come from ignorance about psychological issues and eating disorders, even among the medical community. While science and medicine have come far in understanding the human brain and body, much is left to be desired, resulting in widespread misinformation about these concerns. Such misguided views also begin to be perpetrated by well-meaning friends and family, or by media that often treats these concerns as a joke.

Overcoming stigma and confronting problems are important stepping stones for anyone on the path of self-healing and recovery. If a person is living with a co-occurring disorder like that of anxiety or binge eating disorder, the support of objective and trained professionals who can help one to learn acceptance and tolerance will be a vital foundation on which to recover.

Those in recovery from challenges with mental health and disordered eating, and the people who love them, must become educated and advocate for increased awareness and understanding. Stigmas perpetuate a negative view, but knowing the facts and solutions for these issues can and will help those who are struggling to find healing and learn to feel better about themselves.