Should I watch movies or TV shows about eating disorders?
Guidelines for engaging with potentially triggering content

Living with an eating disorder can be an isolating experience. Many individuals distance themselves from their support network due to fears about sharing their struggles, while simultaneously yearning for understanding and validation from others who share similar experiences.

This isolation might lead us to seek out TV shows, movies, and other media depicting stories of disordered eating – but how can we evaluate whether engaging with this content will support or hinder our recovery journey, and what strategies can we employ if we find ourselves triggered?

In today’s media-saturated environment, we’re constantly exposed to shows, films, and various forms of content (with social media being another significant factor deserving its own discussion). These media platforms significantly shape public perception, including how society views eating disorders and those affected by them.

Unfortunately, many media portrayals of eating disorders tend to be misleading or negative, which can reinforce stigma and shame. Exposure to problematic or triggering content may worsen body image issues and disordered eating behaviours, making recovery that much harder.

Understanding the Impact

A trigger occurs when something provokes a physical or emotional response. Media depicting eating disorders can affect individuals with body image concerns or disordered eating in various ways.

Common reactions include emotional distress, anxiety, or increased urges to engage in harmful coping mechanisms. Some might imitate portrayed behaviours, compare themselves to depictions on screen, or experience “imposter syndrome,” feeling they’re not “sick enough” to deserve support.

Even those without diagnosed eating disorders may be vulnerable to messages promoting unrealistic body standards. Many shows inadvertently glamorise disordered eating patterns, potentially presenting them as lifestyle choices rather than serious mental health conditions. It’s crucial to understand that eating disorders are severe, life-threatening illnesses – not choices or extreme diets.

Media representation often reinforces stereotypes, typically depicting those with eating disorders as young, white, affluent females of below-average weight. The reality is that body image issues and eating disorders impact individuals across all demographic categories, including age, gender, ethnicity, cultural background, and socioeconomic status.

Can Media Content about Eating Disorders Be Beneficial?

In some cases, yes, but it’s important to tread carefully before engaging with this content. Certain productions are created with genuine intent to educate and raise awareness, often developed in collaboration with eating disorder specialists and individuals with lived experience.

These thoughtfully produced shows may effectively:

• Increase understanding of different eating disorder types
• Illustrate how these conditions develop
• Demonstrate their varied manifestations
• Highlight treatment challenges and recovery processes
• Show the profound impact on both individuals and their support networks.

However, even well-intentioned content may contain problematic elements, and what provides comfort to one person might trigger another. Approach with caution!

How do I know if I’m ready to watch this content?

Remember: it’s perfectly acceptable if you never feel ready to engage with this type of content. Whether you’re uninterested, unwilling to risk potential triggers, or choosing to avoid certain portrayals altogether, these are all valid positions.

If you’re considering viewing this content, reflect on:

• Your current position in recovery
• The strength of your eating disorder thoughts and strategies to manage these
• Your underlying motivation for watching
• The potential benefits and risks
• Your emotional stability
• What your treatment team might advise
• Whether you’d recommend it to someone else in your situation.

Consider postponing if you’re early in recovery, experiencing difficulties, feeling strongly influenced by eating disorder thoughts, struggling with emotional regulation, or wouldn’t recommend the content to others. Remember that “not now” doesn’t mean “not ever.”

What to do if you feel triggered

If you or someone you care about feels triggered by eating disorder-related content, it’s important to seek support. Turn off the TV or device and aim to reconnect with activities that bring you joy and comfort.

It can be helpful to bring this up with your treatment team to learn why this content has triggered you and strategies to help you manage future triggering thoughts.

Above all, be kind to yourself and aim to talk to someone about what you’re feeling.

If you are looking for confidential and free support now, the Butterfly National Helpline is open 7 days a week, 8am-midnight (AEST/AEDT). Call 1800 ED HOPE (1800 33 4673) or chat online or email.