Eating disorders are still widely misunderstood in medicine

In Colorado and across the country, people are becoming increasingly aware that many are struggling with their mental health, and that care for mental health is often inaccessible or inadequate.

Awareness around eating disorders, however, is far behind, even though the mortality rate of those with eating disorders is among the highest associated with any mental illness. They’re also incredibly common – an estimated 30 million Americans will experience an eating disorder in their lifetime. Making matters worse, the barriers to care for eating disorders can cause even further distress to those who are doing their best to recover.

I know from firsthand experience how eating disorder treatment is lacking in compassion and common sense. I recently spent time in a recovery…