Are there eating disorder support groups in Seattle?

In this blog post, we shall answer the question “are there eating disorder support groups in Seattle?” and look at the importance of support groups. We shall define support groups and eating disorders and look at the most common eating disorders. Finally, we shall look at eating disorder support groups available in Seattle.

Are there eating disorder support groups in Seattle?

Yes, there are eating disorder support groups in Seattle. A support group is a gathering of people going through common problems. A support group can have a professional leading it or a member who has been through the problem and has been in recovery for a long time (preferably over five years). 

When going through a problem/addiction, family members and close family can sympathize, but may not know what to tell you to get out of that situation as they don’t understand what you are going through. Doctors and health professionals also offer minimal emotional support and their primary focus is medical.

Support groups, on the other hand, are comprised of people who know exactly how it feels to be in the situation that you are in and can offer valid help depending on how they handled the situation. The best medicine can be the voice of a person who has been in your shoes.

Support groups can be used to support those going through:

• Bereavement
• Anxiety
• Addiction
• Terminal illnesses like cancer
• Domestic abuse
• Caregivers of people with mental or terminal illnesses

Types of support groups

Support groups have been created especially for people going through addictions of many kinds. Remember that a support group is not a substitute for seeking medical help. They include:

• Mutual support groups

These are peer-led groups. They are trained but do not assume the role of medical professionals. Participants can be people going through various challenges like domestic violence, grief, medical issues, and mood disorders among others. The members give each other advice depending on what is working for them and encourage others to do so.

• 12-step self-help groups

These focus on people with addictions i.e. alcohol, narcotics, sex, gambling and even eating addictions. The members follow the 12 steps of recovery created by alcohol anonymous and can be adapted to fit all those addictions. They are peer-led.

• Therapy groups

These are led by mental health professionals. Treatment is provided to people going through similar challenges as a group. Therapy groups are used to treat many mental disorders and unlike other groups, they might be charged.

• Online groups

These are a great alternative when people cannot meet physically or for people with very busy schedules. The downside of online groups is that they do not capture raw facial expressions and body language of members and communication breakdowns are very common. The groups can also limit the number of members willing to share and participate.

Difference between group therapy and a support group

Seattle group therapy and support groups both offer great and safe spaces for discussing issues concerning eating disorders. It is, however, important to note the difference between the two.

• Group therapy is led by a mental health professional while a support group can be led by a health professional or members with lived experiences
• Group therapy is structured around issues while a support group is less structured
• Ex[erienced health professionals guide the group towards understanding thoughts and feelings while support groups are made for members to offer support and strengthen each other as they recover
• Most therapy groups are scheduled for a fixed length of time with consistent members while support groups meet for an indefinite period with members coming and going
• Group therapy can be charged while support groups are free

Importance of eating disorder support groups

Focus on self-care

Members of support groups may offer useful tips on how to take care of themselves, combat fatigue, avoid stress and anxiety, and feel mentally and physically healthier. They give workable solutions as these are methods that they have tested and have worked for them.

Learn positive coping strategies

These also include first-hand methods that other members have tried and have worked for them. As you are recovering from eating disorders, it is important to come up with positive coping mechanisms for stressors or else they would trigger a relapse.

You might learn new tips like meditating, journaling, and finding new hobbies and other things that you might have not considered while alone.

Grow through shared experiences

Sharing troubling thoughts can help relieve and ease off heavy burdens. As others share their experiences, you can get insight into how others have been able to handle similar situations you are going through.

Maintain hope

Being around other people going through similar challenges can give you renewed hope that you are not alone in your struggles. It also increases mood and optimism, especially hearing stories of people whose journeys of recovery are going on well.

Help in building interpersonal relationships

Many people with eating disorders isolate themselves from any social interactions due to guilt or shame from their disorder or feeling judged and misunderstood. Support groups give you an opportunity to connect and build relationships with people who you can trust and who you are sure will not judge you even if you go through episodes of relapses.

Before looking at eating disorder support groups in Seattle, let us briefly look at what eating disorders are and the most common types.

What are eating disorders? 

Eating disorders are mental illnesses characterized by abnormal eating habits, and complex and damaging relationships between food, exercise and body image that impairs physical and mental health.

Types of eating disorders.

According to the Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders fifth edition (DSM-5), there are six types of eating disorders. Obesity is no longer included as an eating disorder since it results from long-term excess energy intake relative to energy expenditure. 

A range of genetics, physiological, behavioural, and environmental factors that vary across individuals contribute to the development of obesity; thus, obesity is not a mental disorder. (Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders fifth edition 2013).

The six eating disorders are;

• Anorexia nervosa
• Bulimia nervosa
• Pica
• Rumination
• Binge eating
• Avoidant restrictive foot intake disorder

Eating disorder support groups in Seattle

Wise bodies by Brooke Stepp

This group is for adults and focuses on somatic healing group for 12 weeks. The group focuses on issues like eating disorders, PTSD and trauma and women’s issues.

Eating disorder peer support groups (ANAD)

ANAD (National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders), is a non-profit organization that provides free support for those suffering from eating disorders. The organization has been in existence since 1976 and has since become the leading organization helping those suffering from eating disorders in the United States.

The support groups are offered virtually and offer access to space for those suffering. It is absolutely free and all you have to do is choose a group, register, receive confirmation and attend. The groups have a maximum of 20 participants (on a first-come-first-serve basis), meet weekly for 75 minutes on zoom, and are led by trained persons who have had eating disorders.

You can also find eating disorder helplines, request a recovery mentor, get a treatment directory and referral services, get support at every stage, and of course, you have the option of joining a support group.

Intuitive eating skills group by Jaclyn Watson

This is an 8-week educational group that focuses on eating disorders. The group is open to people with eating disorders and willing to get help, as well as people with loved ones struggling with eating disorders.

Girls moving forward from eating disorders by Elizabeth M Humes

This is an adult group that focuses on eating disorders, self-esteem and behavioural issues. The support group meet twice a month at 6 pm and currently consists of women in their 20/30s. The group helps members in changing core beliefs and getting a strong support team in their journey of recovery.

Eating disorder support for POC (telehealth) by Niashay Whitaker

This support group is for women of colour. It offers them a safe space for healing and where they can be themselves.

Relationship with food/body- small group by Grace K. Lautman

This group is for teens struggling with eating disorders, self-esteem and women’s issues. It helps those in recovery to understand the “why” and “hows” in recovery and matters concerning body issues. The group is small and intimate but also casual, where everyone shares their experience.

What are the pros and cons of eating disorder support groups?

Just like any other treatment option available for eating disorders, support groups have their fair share of pros and cons. The beauty about support groups is that all the members can relate to the issues each one is facing and the downside of this is that many can offer unsolicited advice. Let us now look at the pros and cons of joining eating disorder support groups.

Pros

• Most are free and the ones that charge are affordable
• Offer different perspectives and opinions
• Provide a sense of belonging
• Offer a non-judgemental place
• Offer a space for interaction and building social skills
• Gives one a sense of accountability

Cons

• Confidentiality cannot be guaranteed
• It can be difficult to share personal struggles to a group of people
• Some can be uncomfortable with the stories shared
• Support groups might not be appropriate for those in a crisis

These pros and cons will help you decide whether a support group is a viable treatment option for you or your loved one.

Conclusion

In this article, we discussed ‌eating disorder support groups in Seattle. We also listed some of the most important support groups in Seattle. In addition, we talked about eating disorders, their symptoms, causes, and risk factors. We hope this information was insightful.

If you have any questions or comments, please let us know.

Frequently asked questions: Are there eating disorder support groups in Seattle?

What are three examples of disordered eating behaviours?

● Chronic weight fluctuations

● Feelings of guilt and shame associated with eating

● Having anxiety associated with specific foods or meal skipping

● Frequent dieting

● Isolation from others when eating

What are the three warning signs of anorexia?

● You complain a lot about benign fat

● Pretending not to be hungry when you really are

● Constantly worrying about dieting, weight and calories

● Having a strict and excessive exercise routine

What does ANAD stand for?

The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders. It is a non-profit

organization that is dedicated to the prevention and alleviation of eating disorders. It was formed in 1976.

Citations

American Psychiatric Association, (2013). Eating disorders in Diagnostic and statistical manual for mental disorders (5th edition). American Psychiatric Association.

Psychologytoday. Eating Disorders Support Groups in Seattle, WA. Psychology today. Retrieved from: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/groups/wa/seattle?category=eating-disorders 

Single care team. (February, 15, 2022). Eating disorder statistics 2022. The check up by single care. Retrieved from https://www.singlecare.com/blog/news/eating-disorder-statistics/