“Grow up, Heather; Bulimia is so ‘87.” – Heathers the Musical.
I wish that was the case, but it seems that eating disorders and disordered eating are on the rise in every demographic – especially the arts.
Being a performer is to be insanely driven, self-conscious, and always “fine”. All traits that require a tough skin. But what about coping with constant judgment, rejection, and comments? It drives many to need a way to cope, numb-out, or escape.
Eating disorders, though not a true addiction (you can’t be addicted to food), are a “process addiction,” an addiction to the behavior and feeling it creates. Many describe “ED,” a common nickname for the disordered voice in their head, like a friend…well, more like a frenemy. ED causes low-self-worth, and often severe medical complications. In fact, one of the disorders, anorexia nervosa, has the highest mortality rate of ANY psychiatric illness! (For more on what the main types of eating disorders are, watch this quick video:)
That being said, you don’t have to have a diagnosis to be having issues with food.
Are you cutting out food groups without having a diagnosed allergy (or religious reason)?
Do you find yourself avoiding eating around others/eat in secret?
Do you think about food for more than 2 hours a day?
Does thinking about food, or being served food, cause you anxiety?
Do you feel a need to compensate for eating (by vomiting, exercising, etc)?
Do you get headaches if you do not find a “healthy” option?
These, and many other behaviors, are signs that your relationship with food is not healthy.
I see performers having more issues when on break from shows, when the need for coping mechanisms rise. When we are playing a role, we can embody the character – their confidence, their peace. But when we are just “us” the mental battles seep back in.
What can you do if you notice your (or your friend’s) relationship with food is not so hot?
Get support.
Find trusted people to talk to. Friends, family, a therapist, doctor, dietitian.
Find healthy coping tools.
Arts, crafts, walk, yoga, meditate, sing, write, clean, watch tv… there are so many. (As long as they don’t become obsessive.)
Get professional help.
A Therapist, Registered Dietitian, medical provider, and possibly a Psychiatrist are all essential team members that will help you find your healthiest self, mentally & physically.
You can get a list of the first steps to recovery with more details, resources, and encouragement at this link.
Eating disorders are not a choice, but recovery is. You can do this!
About the Writer: Libby Parker, is a Registered Dietitian helping people recover from eating disorders. She owns a group private practice, Not Your Average Nutritionist, in San Luis Obispo, CA, and provides telemedicine to individuals in many states, including NY. In 2019 Libby published her first book, Permission To Eat. She has been in musical theatre since the age of 11, and loves helping performers live their best life on and off stage. Her online course “Whole Health For Performers” covers all the things you never learned in health class specific to the stage.