Eating Disorders Don’t Discriminate

In this episode of Checking In, we hear from Sara, a listener who has struggled with an eating disorder for over a decade. She wants to know what recovery looks like, and she also notes that as a Black woman, she feels that eating disorders are seen as taboo in her community. Carolyn talks to psychiatrist Dr. Erikka Dzirasa about how racial bias can create significant barriers to treatment for BIPOC who live with eating disorders. They also discuss the benefits of a multifaceted approach to treatment, as well as the hope and joy in recovery.

Show Notes

The following show notes have been compiled with help from Checking In podcast producer Andrea Betanzos. Thank you, Andrea, for all your work and help with this episode!

There are so many great resources for Black, indigenous, and other people of color to find and build the support team they need. Here are some people, organizations, and resources to check out:

• Project HEAL’s goal is to serve people with eating disorders who aren't being served by the current system. You can apply for support through their treatment access programs, and they also offer resources for navigating insurance.
• If you're looking for community, try Nalgona Positivity Pride, an “in-community eating disorders and body-positive organization dedicated in creating visibility and resources for Black, Indigenous, communities of color (BICC.).” As part of Nalgona Positivity Pride, Sage + Spoon is a support group created by and for people of color and indigenous groups.
• Registered dietician Whitney Trotter published the BIPOC Eating Disorder Providers list, a resource to find providers for your specific needs.
• Not sure how to educate your support system? Beat Eating Disorders has some tips on how to be a caregiver.
• SELF's executive editor Zahra Barnes pulled together this list of 44 Mental Health Resources for Black People Trying to Survive in This Country.

For support, information, and treatment options, contact the National Eating Disorders Association helpline. For crisis situations, text “NEDA” to 741741 to be connected with a trained volunteer at Crisis Text Line.

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