Eating Disorders Don’t Exist Alone

I’ve been on a mission to raise awareness around eating disorders during pregnancy and postpartum, and it all started when I almost relapsed after becoming a mother.

Let me explain ⬇️.

Perinatal (i.e., can occur during pregnancy and/or postpartum) Mood + Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) are the #1 pregnancy and postpartum complication.

🛑 Number. One.

🤯 Research has indicated that 1 in 5 birth parents experience one or more PMADs.

The actual number is most likely much higher, as it is common for mental health conditions to be underreported due to stigma and shame.

Battles with food and body - whether or not it is a diagnosable eating disorder - rarely (or, if ever) exist on their own.

The majority of the time (if not all the time) they have high co-occurrence rates with other mental health conditions, such as:

✅ Depression

✅ Anxiety

✅ PTSD

✅ OCD

✅ Bipolar Disorder

Why is this?

Because a hyperfocus on food and body is a means of COPING with other challenges, such as mental health.

This National Eating Disorders Screening Week, if you’re worried you may be struggling with an eating disorder, take NEDA’s free screening tool.

It’s quick, confidential, and can connect you to helpful resources.

 Don’t wait—find out if you’re at risk today: visit nationaleatingdisorders.org