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Peer Support Groups

ANAD pioneered peer support groups for eating disorders, and today we are the largest resource of our kind in the country. Our peer groups provide a free, virtual space where anyone can find community. We believe that everyone deserves a place to feel seen and supported, providing an accessible environment for all stages of the journey toward healing.

Already opted in?
The September registration email went out on 8/28. Keep an eye out for the October registration email on 9/25.

To let us know you’re interested in a group, fill out the form below and register for the dates you plan to attend. Please opt in & register at least four hours before the group begins, and only register for the groups you plan to attend. You’ll get an email with the group join info 15 minutes before the start time. Be punctual! Late admittance is not allowed. Attended a group before? Skip this step, and look for an email from to register for some or all of the month’s groups!

To opt into a new one, use the buttons below on this page.

How to Attend

  1. Choose your group with the interest form on this page
  2. Register using the email we send you
  3. Join! The link will be in your inbox 15 minutes before the start of the group
Weekly Group Schedule
ANAD Peer Support Group graphic

ANAD Peer Support
Group Features

  • Meet weekly for 75 minutes on Zoom
  • Groups will be locked one minute after the start time, with no late admittance! We encourage you to log on early.
  • Led by trained volunteers with lived experience of eating disorder recovery
Fill out the Recovery Group Interest Form
Fill out the Caregiver or Sibling Interest Form

How can support groups help me?

ANAD support groups are often a first step for those navigating body image concerns, disordered eating, or eating disorders—as well as those committed to long-term recovery and everyone in between.

Our groups provide a space where everyone shares a common thread of experience. For many, this is the first time they have met others who truly understand the complexities of food and body concerns. Being able to share feelings and experiences without having to explain or justify them can be a powerful catalyst for healing.

Our groups are led by trained volunteers who have navigated their own healing journey. These spaces are open to anyone regardless of diagnosis or where they are at in their journey.

While our groups are a complement to—not a replacement for—clinical therapy, they offer a unique form of community that is essential to the healing process.

Whatever your story or struggle may be, we invite you to join us and find the community you deserve.

Weekly Support Group Schedule

(*) – Group Meets Every Other Week

Monday

5pm ET/2pm PT: LGBTQIA+

6pm ET/3pm PT: General

8pm ET/5pm PT: BIPOC*

8pm ET/5pm PT: Caregivers w/ F.E.A.S.T.

8pm ET/5pm PT: General

Tuesday

12pm ET/9am PT: General

1pm ET/10am PT: Older Adults

6pm ET/3pm PT: Athletes

7pm ET/4pm PT: Teen & Young Adult (13-24)

8pm ET/5pm PT: Siblings w/ F.E.A.S.T (15+)

9pm ET/6pm PT: General

Wednesday

6pm ET/3pm PT: General

7pm ET/4pm PT: Men*

7:30pm ET/4:30pm PT: People in Larger Bodies

8pm ET/5pm PT: ARFID*

Thursday

12pm ET/9am PT: General

2pm ET/11 am PT: Caregivers w/ F.E.A.S.T.

7pm ET/4pm PT: Binge Eating Disorder

8pm ET/5pm PT: Chronic Illness/Long-Term Disability

9pm ET/6pm PT: General

ANAD Affiliate Groups

ANAD Affiliate Group are led by mental health professionals affiliated with ANAD. Affiliate groups have their own schedules. Please consult the spreadsheet for contact info to learn current status.

Join ANAD Affiliate Group

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! All support groups are free. However, ANAD is a donation-based community organization, so we do rely on donations from anyone involved in our services. Donate what you can, when you can!

No. Support groups are open to anyone. The people who attend are of all ages, races, genders, and experiences. Some people are currently in treatment, others may only be starting to realize that they have a problem. No matter where someone is on their journey, they are welcome.

ANAD Peer Support Groups have roughly the same format for each group. They are 75 minutes long, meet weekly, are kept small to allow for everyone’s participation, and use communication guidelines for a safe space. ANAD Affiliate Groups, which are run by clinical professionals at different organizations, have different formats, but often involve a check in & discussion. Members can draw on the support and experience of others.

Yes, groups are confidential. While we do encourage video usage, especially when speaking, it is not required in order to participate. We also include a statement at the beginning of each group asking people to respect the confidentiality of the group.

Yes, you need to be at least 18 to participate in ANAD peer support groups, with the exception of our Adolescent/Teens support group.

We have rules in place to maintain the safety of the group and well being of participants. Should you join us, you will have the opportunity to learn them.

Zoom links will be emailed about 15 minutes ahead of each group for everyone who completed the registration process. Please click on the link prior to the start time of your meeting. We recommend joining up to 10 minutes in advance, no late attendance is allowed.

Groups are locked one minute after the start time to make sure everyone hears the guidelines, and group flows smoothly. We encourage you to join early.

No. Our peer support groups are only open to community members with eating disorders and not open to the public for observation.

The email can take up to 5 minutes, and be sure to check your spam folder! If you’re still having trouble, email .

If you have attended the group before, we have already sent you that email. Don’t see it? Email .

ANAD Partners: Support Group Sponsors

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You Might Also Be Interested In

Yoga

  • Reconnect with one’s body
    • Promotes mind-body connection, awareness of self, and acceptance.
  • Stress and anxiety reduction
    • Yoga activates the parasympathetic nervous system, counteracting our body’s stress responses.
    • Deep, slow breathing can reduce cortisol  levels (stress hormone) and help calm our minds.
  • Intentional movement
    • Yoga provides a space to mindfully enjoy movement and explore a healthy form of exercise.
  • Long term healing
    • Provides a practice to safely and sustainably lean into.
  • A space for community and support
    • Oftentimes, yoga is done in a group setting, which can increase feelings of connection and lower feelings of loneliness.

After the completion of 7–12 yoga classes, a statistically significant decrease in anxiety, depression, and body image disturbance was seen (Hall et al., 2016).

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Some classes are targeted for rigorous exercise, such as “heated flow” or “power flow.” Please be mindful with what you practice, and look for “slow flow,” “yin,” “vinyasa,” and “restorative” yoga in non-heated rooms.

Music

  • Music can have a powerful effect on people’s mood

    • listening to uplifting or calming songs can help reduce stress and anxious feelings.
  • Music stimulates the limbic system, the part of our brain responsible for processing emotions
    • music triggers the release of serotonin and dopamine, which are associated with reducing feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress (which are often associated with eating disorders)
  • Slow tempo music has been shown to decrease cortisol, our stress hormone, as well as lower blood pressure and reduce heart rate.
  • Music increases the brains neuroplasticity, enhancing brain functions like mood regulation, decision making, and memory.

A study done by Mindlab International revealed that the song “Weightless” by Marconi Union resulted in a 65% reduction in participants’ overall anxiety (Dr. David Lewis-Hodgson).

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  • Ludovico Einaudi
  • Claude Debussy
  • Johann Sebastian Bach
  • José González
  • Laraaji
  • Bill Evans
  • Vance Joy
  • The Paper Kites
  • Moby
  • Tycho

Aromatherapy

  • Aromatherapy can be a helpful, low- cost (or free) tool for people managing eating disorders.
  • Aromatherapy involves using essential oils to help manage emotions and restore balance.
  • Scents can help ground people, encouraging mindfulness about physical and emotional sensations.
  • Can promote a tranquil environment and give a sense (& scent) of peace.
    • creates an atmosphere for individuals to feel safe in processing emotions

Lavender has been shown to reduce anxiety levels. It is seen as a “anxiolytic” solution to providing a coping method for those with anxiety disorders (Yoo & Park, 2023).

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  • Lavender: calm, sleep, relax
  • Chamomile: calm
  • Rose: anxiety reduction
  • Lemon: energy, nausea reduction, concentration
  • Orange: brighten, uplift
  • Jasmine: anxiety reduce, sleep
  • Peppermint: alertness
  • Ylang ylang: calming, stress and anxiety reduction
  • Rosemary: focus

Art

  • Art can help provide a safe space for communication.
  • It can promote a sense of relaxation, and become a calming, meditative like experience (especially in “flow state”).
  • Gives an outlet and coping mechanism for managing difficult emotions.
  • Helps develop healthy habits and routines for self-management.
  • Increases an individuals sense of awareness and understanding of their emotions and thoughts.

Art can boost cognitive function, emotional resilience and self-confidence. It has also been shown to reduce stress and aid in conflict resolution (Hudson University, 2024).

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  • Coloring books
  • Digital coloring or drawing
  • Collaging
  • Sketchbook/journaling/ diary
  • Painting
  • Water coloring
  • Air dry clay (model magic) or traditional clay (ceramics)
  • Photography (use your phone!)
  • So much more!

Creative Journaling & Writing

  • Journaling allows space for self reflection, and emotional release.
  • Free writing can help you connect to your inner voice without judgment.
    • This can look like a steam on consciousness, a short story, or even poetry.
  • Both of these can give you space to problem solve, and look at a situation from a new angle.
  • Try out a prompt, or guided writing exercise if free writing isn’t your thing.
    • Examples & resources below!

Positive writing has been shown to promote positive emotions, as well as positive cognitive mechanisms in the general population (Lai et al., 2023).

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  • What are three things I’m grateful for today?
  • Write a letter to your future self. What do you want to tell them?
  • Write about a positive affirmation you want to start telling yourself.
  • How do you like to relax? Write about your favorite way to unwind.
  • What does “peace” look like to you? How can you bring more of it into your life?
  • What is something that always makes you laugh or brings you joy?

Self-Care / Self-Talk

Positive Self Talk

  • Positive affirmations are short, encouraging statements that can help build our self-esteem and challenge negative thoughts.
  • Repeating these statements daily can help foster a more loving relationship with yourself over time.
    • “Mirror-work” is when you look into the mirror and say kind, positive affirmations to yourself. It might feel awkward at first.
    • Try statements such as “I am enough,” “I am deserving of all the good things life has to offer,” or “I am strong, capable, and confident in everything I do.”
  • This can help build mental resilience, making it easier to cope with challenges and setbacks.
  • They can elevate your mood and promote a more optimistic view of life.
  • They help build confidence and self-worth by focusing on your strengths and capabilities.

Self Care

  • Self-care directly impacts emotional, psychological, and physical well-being.
  • Engaging in regular self care practices helps maintain balance and resilience, ensuring we can cope with life’s challenges.
  • Regular self-care allows the body and mind to recover, recharge, and maintain a sense of calm.
  • Taking care of yourself helps prevent burnout by ensuring you have the energy and mental capacity to meet the demands of life.
    • Without regular self care, you may become overwhelmed, leading to fatigue, frustration, and decreased productivity.
  • Giving yourself mental space helps clear your mind, improving focus, decision-making, and problem-solving.
  • Allows you to engage in activities that bring you joy, pleasure, and fulfillment. These experiences elevate mood and provide moments of peace and happiness.

Positive Self Talk

Affirming personal values has been linked to boosting ones happiness and meaning in life (Nelson et al., 2014). MRI’s show that self- affirmations affect brain activity! (Cascio et al., 2015).

Self Care

“Engaging in a self- care routine has been clinically proven to reduce or eliminate anxiety and depression, reduce stress, improve concentration, minimize frustration and anger, increase happiness, improve energy and more. From a physical health perspective, it has also been clinically proven to reduce heart disease, stroke and cancer” (Glowiak, 2024).

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POSITIVE SELF TALK

 

SELF CARE

  • Up to personal preference, ideas listed in the guide
  • Sleep: Make sure you get enough hours in
  • Making time for hobbies: painting, gardening, etc.
  • Doing chores: cleaning dishes, doing laundry, cleaning space, decluttering
  • Spending time outdoors: taking nature walks, sitting in a park
  • Being with people you love: friends, family, partners
  • Reading or learning: something of interest, and limiting technology/screen time
  • Personal care: shower, bath, deep breathing, meditation, massaging
  • Treating yourself: occasionally indulging yourself with something you love (ex: buying a new book, or a coffee from your favorite shop)
  • Mental care: attending peer support groups (for free with ANAD!), going to therapy (we can help connect you with someone)