The Big Picture
Eating disorders don’t have a “look.” Many people who are struggling appear healthy on the outside, which can make these illnesses harder to spot—and easier to suffer through in silence. At Center for Change, clinicians see how cultural perfectionism, isolation, and shame can keep people from getting help until symptoms begin to disrupt daily life or escalate into crisis.
What’s Happening
Center for Change CEO and Licensed Psychologist Dr. Nicole Hawkins explains that eating disorders often start to surface when someone begins withdrawing from friends and activities, and when disordered behaviors start to interfere with everyday routines. Even then, many people keep their struggle private for years.
Dr. Hawkins notes a few realities that are often misunderstood:
- Only a small percentage of people with eating disorders are underweight—most look like everyone else in the community.
- Over time, eating disorders are frequently accompanied by depression, anxiety, OCD, and past trauma.
- The longer someone goes without treatment, the more complicated recovery can become—but recovery is still possible with the right support.
Why It Matters
Eating disorders can feel like an addiction cycle: people may know the behaviors are harmful, but feel unable to stop, which adds layers of shame and isolation. That stigma can delay treatment and worsen mental health outcomes. Early recognition—by loved ones, educators, healthcare professionals, and the community—can help people reach care sooner and reduce the risk of crisis.
Center for Change emphasizes that effective treatment often means addressing the full picture: not just eating-disorder symptoms, but also co-occurring depression, anxiety, OCD, and trauma. The goal is lasting recovery and a return to a full, values-aligned life.
The Bottom Line
If you or someone you care about is pulling away, struggling in silence, or showing signs that an eating disorder is affecting daily life, support is available—and recovery is real. Center for Change offers resources and education for individuals, families, and professionals, and also hosts webinars for professionals once a month.
Learn more and explore resources at: https://centerforchange.com