Eating Disorder Awareness Month: Making Space for Healing, Hope, and Whole-Person Care
Every February, Eating Disorder Awareness Month invites us to pause, reflect, and speak more openly about eating disorders—conditions that are often misunderstood, minimized, or hidden in plain sight. At Nurtari, we see this month not just as a time for awareness, but as a call to compassion, education, and action.
Eating disorders affect people of all ages, genders, body sizes, and backgrounds. They are not a choice, a phase, or a failure of willpower. They are complex, biopsychosocial conditions that deserve thoughtful, evidence-based, and deeply humane care.
Beyond the Myths: What Eating Disorders Really Are
One of the greatest barriers to healing is misunderstanding. Eating disorders are often reduced to stereotypes—about weight, food, or appearance—when in reality they are frequently rooted in trauma, nervous system dysregulation, attachment wounds, perfectionism, chronic stress, and unmet emotional needs.
They can show up as:
Restriction, dieting, or rigid food rules
Binge eating or loss-of-control eating
Purging behaviors or compensatory exercise
Preoccupation with food, weight, or body image
Anxiety, shame, or disconnection around eating
And often, they coexist with anxiety, depression, PTSD, or medical concerns. Treating only the symptoms without addressing the whole person can leave people feeling stuck or unseen.
Why Whole-Person, Trauma-Informed Care Matters
At Nurtari, we believe healing happens when care is integrated, relational, and trauma-informed. Eating disorders do not live solely in the mind or the body—they impact both, along with relationships, identity, and one’s sense of safety.
That’s why our approach centers on:
Trauma-informed therapy that honors the nervous system and the protective role symptoms may have played
Medical nutrition therapy that moves beyond meal plans to rebuild trust with the body and food
Collaborative care between therapists and registered dietitians, all in one place
Respect for autonomy, dignity, and lived experience
Rather than asking, “How do we stop this behavior?” we ask, “What happened? What does your body need now? And how can we support sustainable healing?”
Recovery Is Not One-Size-Fits-All
Recovery is not linear, and it doesn’t look the same for everyone. For some, it begins with stabilizing nourishment. For others, it starts with creating safety in the body or untangling long-held beliefs about worth and control.
There is no “sick enough” requirement to deserve help. There is no timeline you have to meet. There is no failure in needing support.
Whether someone is early in their journey, returning to care, or simply curious about their relationship with food and body, support can make a meaningful difference.
How We Honor Eating Disorder Awareness Month at Nurtari
This month—and every month—we are committed to:
Reducing stigma through education and conversation
Supporting clients with compassionate, coordinated care
Giving back to the provider community through training and consultation
Advocating for early intervention and access to care
If you or someone you love is struggling, know this: healing is possible, and you do not have to do it alone.
Taking the Next Step
Eating Disorder Awareness Month is a reminder that awareness is only the beginning. Action, connection, and care are what move us toward change.
At Nurtari, we are honored to walk alongside individuals seeking a more peaceful relationship with food, body, and self—grounded in whole-person healing, evidence-based care, and deep respect for every part of the journey.
If you’re ready to explore support, or simply want to learn more, we invite you to reach out. Hope grows when it’s shared.
A Gentle Invitation to Begin
If you’re noticing that your relationship with food, your body, or movement feels heavy, rigid, overwhelming, or driven by shame or control—or if you’re supporting someone who is struggling—you don’t have to wait for things to get worse to reach out. An unhealthy relationship with food, body, or movement deserves care, attention, and support, even if it doesn’t fit a specific diagnosis.
At Nurtari, we offer compassionate, trauma-informed therapy and registered dietitian nutrition services designed to support whole-person healing. Whether you’re seeking care for an eating disorder, disordered eating, body image concerns, or related trauma, our team is here to walk alongside you.
You deserve support. You deserve care that sees all of you.
To learn more or schedule a consultation, visit www.nurtari.com or contact us directly. Healing is possible—and taking the first step can begin today.