11 Infographic Ideas On How To Spread Eating Disorder Awareness

An infographic is a graphic representation of data or information. You can use infographics to illustrate a concept, provide a quick overview of complex topics, and make data more accessible for readers. Infographics can be attractive and engaging because they present information in an intuitive way – with the help of graphics, images, icons, and charts.

This article offers 11 ideas for how you might create infographics on eating disorder awareness.  Infographics can help spread awareness and understanding about eating disorders more quickly and powerfully than words alone.

1. What is a healthy weight?

The size and shape of a person’s body don’t reflect their health, personality, or worth as a human being. However, many people have been taught that thinness is “healthy” and anything else is not – even though this simply isn’t true. In addition to promoting false stereotypes about weight and health, this contributes to a stigma that can prevent people from getting help when they need it. An infographic on healthy body weight normalizes all sizes by clearly illustrating the thinness bias we often see in society and how it prevents others from seeking treatment and support.

2. Social media and the influence of pro-eating disorder websites.

It’s common for people with eating disorders to look towards pro-eating disorder websites and social media accounts for tips on how to hide their behaviors, or even become a part of the online community.

Images from these sites are taken out of context and spread further, contributing to a growing culture where “thin is in.” An infographic that examines the influence of pro-eating disorder websites and social media can help shine a light on the dangers of these sites while also encouraging others not to look for advice or validation online.

3. How do you know if your friend has an eating disorder?

Many people are surprised when someone they thought had everything together starts struggling with their mental health. Though many of us know how to recognize an eating disorder in ourselves or a family member, it can be harder to spot when it’s someone you’re closer to.

An infographic that lists the warning signs of an eating disorder and explains some of the reasons why your friend might be struggling can help friends who are concerned about their loved ones realize that they’re not alone in how they’re feeling.

4. The effects of eating disorders on the body.

This infographic visually describes the effects of eating disorders on both the physical and mental health of individuals. This information can be helpful for people who are trying to understand what life is like with an eating disorder, or for loved ones who want to know what kind of impact the illness has had on the person they love.

5. How to support someone with an eating disorder.

Loved ones play a unique role in helping people with eating disorders recover and heal. This infographic can explain how you can support your loved ones by not trying to control their weight, seeking professional help for yourself, and supporting them through the healing process.

6. How to support an eating disorder survivor.

Someone who has survived an eating disorder may need more support than loved ones realize. This infographic can explain how their family members, friends, classmates, coworkers can be supportive after a person’s recovery. It also provides helpful information for loved ones looking to learn more about their own mental health after supporting someone with an eating disorder.

7. Eating disorders are not always obvious.

Someone struggling with an eating disorder may look “fine” on the outside, but inside they’re losing weight or obsessing over food and calories. This infographic can provide helpful information for friends and family members who want to understand what a person might be going through, even if they don’t look like anything is wrong.

8. How does mental health treatment work for eating disorders?

In the midst of an eating disorder, it can feel impossible to imagine living without food or being free from your illness. This infographic will provide helpful information about how people with eating disorders can get help through therapy, medication, or a combination of both. It also explains the importance of support groups for people recovering from an eating disorder.

9. What are warning signs that treatment isn’t working?

When someone with an eating disorder begins treatment, they may feel hopeful about the future and their ability to overcome their illness. However, if the treatment isn’t working and their symptoms aren’t decreasing, they might feel like everything is getting worse — this can lead to depression and suicidal thoughts. Making this infographic can provide important warning signs that treatment isn’t working, as well as resources for finding help if your loved one is struggling.

10. How to help someone with an eating disorder.

If you’re supporting someone who’s struggling with an eating disorder, it can be hard to know what to say or do. Creating this infographic will provide helpful suggestions for how loved ones can help their family members or friends in the best possible way during this difficult time.

11. How does therapy work?

Eating disorders can feel incredibly isolating, and this can be even more true if you’re not sure what to expect when it comes to therapy. Making this infographic will provide helpful information on different therapy options for people with eating disorders, as well as the benefits of therapy sessions.

One great tip when making infographics is to use Venngage — a free infographic maker that offers a wide range of cool infographic templates for everyone. Here are some infographic examples from their website!