From Someone Who Struggled: How Athletic Staff and Health Care Professionals Can Help (Guest Post by Anonymous)

This following piece is written by an anonymous athlete who chose to share their story in hopes of shedding light on the realities of eating disorders, and what the athletic community can do to better support athletes who are struggling.

 

I believe that the only way to truly advance the understanding of eating disorders – among medical professionals, coaches, and athletic staff – is to listen to those who have experienced them firsthand. We need to hear what it’s like to live with an eating disorder, to understand what is happening in someone’s mind, and to gain a deeper, more nuanced understanding of this illness. Only by listening, rather than judging or assuming, can we begin to create a supportive and informed space where athletes and patients feel seen, supported, and safe to get the help they need. You can read the first part of my story here.

Anorexia is a complex condition, influenced by a variety of factors, including genetics and environment. It is an egosyntonic illness, can impact every organ system, and is the mental illness with the highest mortality rates, which requires specialized and individualized care. Anorexia is not a choice, it is not the person’s fault, and no one should ever be shamed for having an eating disorder.

It can be frustrating and even heartbreaking to watch someone struggle in this way. I want you to consider this: imagine what it is like to be the girl in that body. The girl who had just been told that her body is breaking down vital tissue and muscle to be used as fuel. The girl who had just been told that the very thing that defined her – what she had worked her whole life for – becoming a Division I athlete – was now too unsafe, taken from her in an instant. Imagine the fear she must be experiencing.

Your Support Matters

One of the hardest aspects of my journey was the feeling that I was seen as “broken” or “something to fix.” I felt as though I was viewed solely through the lens of my eating disorder. What I needed most was someone to show up for me, to reassure me that they weren’t there to punish or control me or take things away, but to support me.

Resistance to change is common. It can be a normal part of the recovery process and possibly a sign that the person has moved too quickly from one stage to the next and is not yet ready for that progression. Try not to argue or create a power struggle. Slow the pace down and meet them where they are. Validate their feelings, respect their decisions, and be understanding.

You can truly make a difference in someone’s journey solely by showing up with care and heart. Sometimes, it’s not about having all the answers but about showing you care – being a kind, consistent, and welcoming presence each day. It’s about creating an accepting space where they feel safe can foster healing, even when they’re not ready to speak up. This made all the difference for me in my willingness to trust and move forward.

You hold the ability to be the one who notices when an athlete is struggling. It is about human connection. I encourage you to always see the person behind the eating disorder, beneath the behaviors they may be exhibiting. Keep listening and believing in their recovery. Because the greatest gift you can give is to see the whole person – their humanity, their heart, their beauty, their grace, their bravery. Be in their corner and offer hope, even when it feels out of reach.

Empowerment Through Education

Throughout the athletic world, there are systemic messages and practices that can deeply influence athletes’ relationships with food and their bodies. Comments about how specific body types influence success and performance or how losing a certain amount of weight could improve results, are all too common. Messages suggesting that the natural changes of puberty may negatively impact athletic potential are also widespread. Athletes who are slim are often considered “lucky,” as they may not face the same pressures regarding weight management during the competition season. Unfortunately, when athletes express a desire to prioritize their health, they are sometimes met with frustration instead of understanding and support.

For young athletes navigating the critical stages of growth and development, these narratives are deeply concerning and can have lasting consequences. Some unhealthy messages are deeply rooted in the broader culture of athletics and changing them requires systemic education and support. To any athlete who has faced similar pressures: understand that your weight does not define your worth or your success. It is your technical abilities, passion, resilience, and heart that truly matter.

Health in athletics must be prioritized above all else. Change is imperative. Athletes, coaches, healthcare providers, and athletic staff must be educated on the importance of menstrual health, puberty, and development. Adolescence is a pivotal time when the body undergoes essential changes, emotionally and physically, that are critical for both immediate performance and long-term health. Low estrogen levels due to amenorrhea can compromise bone density, which increases the risk of stress fractures, chronic injuries, and long-term conditions like osteoporosis, especially during adolescence, a crucial period for skeletal growth. Estrogen also plays a vital role in tissue strength and cartilage repair, directly influencing joint health and injury recovery.

Healthcare providers in the NCAA must undergo comprehensive training in evidence-based treatment methods for eating disorders in athletes or collaborate with specialists equipped to deliver this level of care. Recovery requires not only compassionate and sensitive support but also a profound understanding of the disorder’s complexities. Coaches must receive professional education on these topics and be equipped to understand, recognize, and embrace that the body’s natural changes are essential for long-term health and performance.

By fostering an environment that values health, development, and individuality, we empower athletes to care for their bodies and reach their full potential, both on and off the field.