The Journey of Eating Disorder

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In the realm of mental health, eating disorders stand out as particularly devastating illnesses that are often misunderstood and misrepresented in society and media. Tying into our class themes on media representation and societal influence, this post calls for a transformative approach to how eating disorders are discussed publicly and represented in the media.The goal is to improve public awareness and to encourage those with eating disorders to pursue positive changes.

This video is crafted specifically with those who are battling eating disorders in mind. I began by examining the very concept of “eating” and exploring the various, sometimes subtle, manifestations of eating disorders. I then transition into discussing the seriousness and prevalence of eating disorders. Lastly, I conclude with an encouraging note, advocating for a perspective that sees food as a friend rather than an enemy.

My research into eating disorders revealed alarming statistics from the South California Department of Mental Health, highlighting that eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness. Anorexia nervosa alone has a mortality rate 12 times higher than all other causes of death for females aged 15 – 24 years. This information underscores the severity of these disorders and the urgent need for accurate public education and effective intervention strategies.

Furthermore, common misconceptions about eating disorders often trivialize them as mere lifestyle choices. Diets like the “16-hour fasts” or the “Kpop idol diet,” frequently glamorized in media and popular culture, can exacerbate or trigger these conditions. Such trends underscore the critical need for media to be more responsible in how dietary habits and body images are portrayed.

In one of our class readings, Kristen Warner stated in “The Time of Plastic Representation” that meaningful diversity is achieved when a variety of “actual presence of different-looking bodies appears on screen”. This representation serves as “an aspirational frame for younger generations” who are told that visual markers hold significant symbolic importance. In creating my video, I deliberately chose to showcase a wide range of individuals—including movie stars, mukbang creators, K-pop idols, and teenagers—to truly represent the diverse spectrum of people impacted by eating disorders. By showing real and relatable images of diverse individuals, the video aims to foster a more inclusive understanding of body image issues.

The potential value of using media as a vehicle for change in the context of eating disorders is profound. Media has the capability to reach wide audiences quickly and can be used to educate, inform, and alter perceptions. Media campaigns that focus on stories of recovery, the importance of professional treatment, and the realities of living with an eating disorder can provide much-needed visibility and support for affected individuals.

However, this approach is not without challenges. The drive for sensational or engaging content can lead to oversimplified or inaccurate representations. For instance, the definition of a healthy or unhealthy eating habit might be inherently biased and unsuitable for everyone. Moreover, media, particularly social media, is frequently perceived as mere entertainment, which can make it challenging to elicit a serious response and attention from viewers when they encounter a video on such platforms.

As we consider the role of media in addressing and potentially transforming the public discourse on eating disorders, it’s imperative that creators approach this issue with the sensitivity and seriousness it demands. By promoting factual, empathetic, and supportive content, we can help the ones struggling with this illness in their recovery and deepen the understanding of the complexities of their condition.

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