ANAD Learning Library

Welcome to the ANAD Learning Library! We hope this new resource hub will help dispel the myths around eating disorders, answer questions you may have, and empower you with a deeper understanding of eating disorders and available treatment options.

A specific eating disorder type

Illustration of eating disorder types

Types & Symptoms

Start with the overview, then explore a specific type of eating disorder.

Myths and Facts about Binge Eating Disorder

Myths and Facts about Binge Eating Disorder

Myths and Facts about Binge Eating Disorder Sponsored by Center for Discovery, written by Barbara Spanjers, MS MFT Binge

Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

What is ARFID? By Lauren Oakes, MBA, RDN, LDN, CEDS Clinical Supervisor at Healthier Tomorrows Thank you to our friends

Eating disorder statistics

Illustration of eating disorder statistics

Eating Disorder Statistics

Eating disorders affect people of every age, race, gender identity and background. See the data behind the illness.

Eating disorder warning signs

Illustration of common eating disorder warning signs

Common Warning Signs

Changes in a person's attitude toward food, exercise and body image can signal an eating disorder. Learn what to watch for.

Supporting a friend or loved one

Illustration for the loved ones resource hub

Loved Ones & Caregivers

Tools, conversation guides and community for parents, partners and friends supporting someone in recovery.

11 Ways to Help a Loved One with an Eating Disorder Through Meals

11 Ways to Help a Loved One with an Eating Disorder Through Meals

11 Ways to Help a Loved One with an Eating Disorder Through Meals In Collaboration with Equip Imagine this: You have to

10 Things All Eating Disorder Caregivers Should Know

10 Things All Eating Disorder Caregivers Should Know

I Supported My Daughter through Eating Disorder Recovery. Here Are 10 Things I Think All Caregivers Should Know By Krist

Not Sure How to Talk With a Loved One About Eating Disorders? Read This.

Not Sure How to Talk With a Loved One About Eating Disorders? Read This.

Not Sure How to Talk To a Loved One About Eating Disorders? Read This. By: Equip Health Perhaps one of the most challeng

Preparing for a medical appointment

Illustration about preparing for provider appointments

Patient Advocacy & Education

Medical appointments can feel overwhelming. Get advocacy tips to prepare, ask the right questions and be heard.

Medical Evaluation of Eating Disorders

Medical Evaluation of Eating Disorders

Medical Evaluation of Eating Disorders By: Allison Haener MSN, FNP-BC Where do I start? Seeking help if you or a loved o

Treatment & Care options

Illustration of a clinician with a clipboard

Understanding Treatment Options

Treatment comes in many forms and levels of care. Understand the options and how to find the right fit.

Dietitian with cart of food

Dietitian Care

Learn when a dietitian can help, what to expect, and how to find the right care for you or your child.

Nutritional Considerations in Eating Disorder Recovery

Nutritional Considerations in Eating Disorder Recovery

Nutritional Considerations in Eating Disorder Recovery A Guide by Emily Rose Martin, ANAD Intern, in collaboration with

Using ACT Skills for Eating Disorder Recovery

Using ACT Skills for Eating Disorder Recovery

Using ACT Skills for Eating Disorder Recovery By Jennifer Rollin, MSW, LCSW-C, Therapist and Founder of The Eating Disor

Nourishing the Soul: Recovery Beyond Food

Nourishing the Soul: Recovery Beyond Food

Nourishing the Soul: Recovery Beyond Food By: Erica Butler, PhD, LMFT, CEDS, IEDS (Blue Ridge Eating Disorder Care Cente

GLP-1’s & Eating disorders

GLP-1 medications community Q&A

GLP-1 Medications & Eating Disorders

GLP-1 medications raise new questions around eating disorder risk and recovery. Read ANAD's guidance.

Athletes & Eating disorders

Illustration for athletes and eating disorders

Athletes & Eating Disorders

Performance pressure and body-image expectations put athletes at unique risk. Explore resources for athletes and coaches.

Letter to Coaches

Letter to Coaches

Letter to Coaches on Food and Body Issues By: Written by Kara Bazzi, LMFT, CEDS, Co-Founder and Clinical Director of Opa

Athletes and Eating Disorders: A Time of High Pressure and Performance

Athletes and Eating Disorders: A Time of High Pressure and Performance

Athletes and Eating Disorders: A Time of High Pressure and Performance By: Kate Ringwood, LCPC | Serendipity Counseling

Isabelle | Dangerous Perfection: Athletes and Eating Disorders

Isabelle | Dangerous Perfection: Athletes and Eating Disorders

Isabelle | Dangerous Perfection: Athletes and Eating Disorders Often athletes prioritize any and all rehab/recovery afte

Neurodiversity & Eating disorders

Illustration for neurodiversity and eating disorders

Neurodiversity & Eating Disorders

Neurodivergent people may face higher eating disorder risk, and their care often needs a different approach.

Eating Disorders & ADHD

Eating Disorders & ADHD

Eating Disorders & ADHD By Amanda Seiler-Adams, LCSW at Opal Sky Therapy Okay, let’s be real—having ADHD is like jugglin

OCD Awareness: Coping with Intrusive Thoughts

OCD Awareness: Coping with Intrusive Thoughts

OCD Awareness: Coping with Intrusive Thoughts By: Allyson Inez Ford, MA, LPCC Intrusive Thoughts: The Thread Between Bot

When My Brain Wouldn’t Slow Down: Navigating ADHD and an Eating Disorder

When My Brain Wouldn’t Slow Down: Navigating ADHD and an Eating Disorder

When My Brain Wouldn't Slow Down: Navigating ADHD and an Eating Disorder By: Katelyn Van Hofwegen, ANAD Intern For a lon

Peer Mentorship & Peer Support

ANAD peer mentors

Peer Mentorship in Recovery

Connect with a peer mentor who's been there, and learn how to access and navigate virtual eating disorder care.

Clinical Benefits of Eating Disorder Peer Support Groups

Clinical Benefits of Eating Disorder Peer Support Groups

Clinical Benefits of Eating Disorder Peer Support Groups By: Nicole Senft, Therapist Intern What are the clinical benefi

Understanding the Crucial Role of Peer Mentors in Eating Disorder Recovery

Understanding the Crucial Role of Peer Mentors in Eating Disorder Recovery

Understanding the Crucial Role of Peer Mentors in Eating Disorder Recovery By Michelle Konstantinovsky, Equip Contributi

A Look Back: The History of Peer Support for Mental Health

A Look Back: The History of Peer Support for Mental Health

A Look Back: The History of Peer Support for Mental Health By Jen Falco, ANAD Fundraising & Development Intern Thanks to

Keep Exploring

Purple and green books on shelf with small plant.

Book Corner

A curated collection of books chosen to educate, motivate, and inspire anyone affected by an eating disorder. Several titles are written by ANAD's own board, staff, and volunteers.

ANAD webinars and recorded events

Past Events & Webinars

Rewatch ANAD's recorded events, webinars, and expert conversations on our YouTube channel. Explore the full video library to learn at your own pace.

Subscribe to the ANAD newsletter

ANAD Newsletter

Stay connected with the latest articles, resources, and updates from ANAD. Subscribe to have eating disorder education and community news delivered straight to your inbox.

Frequently Asked Questions

The ANAD Learning Library is a free, comprehensive educational resource hub designed to dispel myths around eating disorders, answer common recovery questions, and provide a deeper understanding of treatment options. The library is categorized into three main focus areas to support individuals, families, and healthcare advocates:

  • General Eating Disorder Information: Resources covering eating disorder types, warning signs, populations impacted, and up-to-date demographic statistics.
  • Treatment, Care, and Support: Detailed guides on navigating levels of care based on American Psychiatric Association (APA) guidelines, understanding provider acronyms, utilizing virtual treatment care, and exploring peer mentorship.
  • Focused Demographics: Specialized resource hubs explicitly tailored for athletes, neurodiverse individuals, and loved ones or caregivers.

Navigating the mental health and eating disorder treatment landscape can be overwhelming due to complex provider acronyms and varying levels of care. The ANAD Learning Library provides structured guides to simplify this process:

  • Decoding Provider Acronyms: We feature a downloadable guide defining the different types of provider acronyms and professional roles available in eating disorder care.
  • Determining Levels of Care: Our resources explain how healthcare professionals use criteria from the American Psychiatric Association (APA) Guidelines for Eating Disorders to recommend the best treatment setting—such as outpatient, intensive outpatient (IOP), partial hospitalization (PHP), or residential care—for an individual’s unique recovery needs.

Yes. In response to questions from our helpline callers, volunteers, support group members, and mentees, ANAD has assembled specialized educational information regarding GLP-1 medications. Developed with direct input from our clinical board members and scientific advisory board, this resource is designed for anyone living with or recovering from an eating disorder or disordered eating. Our goal is to provide evidence-based insights that enable individuals to make informed medical decisions, effectively care for themselves, and reduce potential harm in recovery.

Talking with medical professionals about eating concerns can feel intimidating. The ANAD Learning Library includes dedicated Patient Advocacy Tips and guides specifically designed to help you prepare for healthcare appointments. These resources provide actionable tips and tricks to confidently navigate conversations with doctors, ask the right questions, understand what to expect during a medical evaluation, and effectively advocate for your own health and recovery needs or those of a loved one.

Yes, the ANAD Learning Library features focused resource hubs to address the unique intersections of eating disorders across specific communities:

  • Athletes & Eating Disorders: Guides addressing the unique pressures, symptoms, and recovery hurdles faced by competitive and recreational athletes.
  • Neurodiversity & Eating Disorders: Research and support information exploring how neurodivergent traits (such as ASD or ADHD) interact with eating patterns and body image.
  • Loved One Resource Hub: A dedicated space offering guidance, communication strategies, and actionable tools for parents, partners, friends, and caregivers supporting someone through recovery.
Still not sure where to start?
Our Helpline can point you to the right resource.

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).

Explore trusted resources and products to support your healing journey.

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).

Explore trusted resources and products to support your healing journey.

 

  • 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).

Explore trusted resources and products to support your healing journey.

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)