Using Social Media to Support Accountability in Eating Disorder Recovery

Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC, Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope

With the rampant and exponential growth of the Internet and social media use, connecting with others on a global basis has never been easier. A majority of individuals across the generations are utilizing the many social media platforms available for networking and communicating, finding ways to create a sense of community through daily interactions.

As someone who may be in recovery from an eating disorder, finding accountability and support has become increasingly accessible with new apps, tools, and social media platforms that allow individuals to come together who share similar experiences.

Learning Which Resources Can Support Eating Disorder Recovery

While not everything found on the Internet will be conducive to eating disorder recovery, proactive searching can connect a person with helpful apps, groups and forums through social media platforms and websites that can serve as positive accountability and support tools.

If you are in recovery from an eating disorder and searching for a community online to become involved with, be sure to find something that promotes recovery efforts and is sensitive about issues that could be potentially triggering.

Support groups that are conducted online for eating disorder recovery should not take the place of treatment or professional counseling/therapy. In addition, eating disorder support groups, chat rooms, online forums, etc. should be well moderated by an individual who is screening for potentially disruptive individuals, comments, and more.

When searching for a support group online to become involved with, be sure to review the group rules and expectations to get a better understanding of the group setting and expectations for participation.

Connecting to Helpful Online Resources

Eating Disorder Hope, among other organizations, offers online support for eating disorder recovery. For example, our private Facebook group offers a way to connect with other individuals who are also in recovery from an eating disorder. Countless other organizations also offer free resources to help support recovery efforts from an eating disorder. Utilizing these resources can be helpful for support and accountability in the eating disorder recovery journey.

Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!

What are some of your favorite online resources that support eating disorder recovery?

About the Author: Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves as the Special Projects Coordinator for Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope, where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.

As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH/AH and nutrition private practice.

The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.

We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.

Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on May 26, 2016
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com