It’s mighty sad that I have to do this, but here you are. Verbs not to use when describing eating disorders in the news:
Why would we speculate on someone’s mental health? Why is a mental illness something to guess by appearance?
Why would we “allege” an eating disorder? Is it a crime?
What does “promoting” anorexia nervosa even mean? Is it a brand? Is it something appealing that people shouldn’t want but really covet anyway?
And yet, here we are, watching yet another public figure being “accused” of “promoting” anorexia nervosa according to “speculation.” Knock it off, people. There’s so little serious media attention to eating disorders and this isn’t what we need. No one says this kind of thing about cancer, or diabetes, or schizophrenia. Having an illness isn’t something people promote or are accused of, and nothing to speculate on.
Mental illness isn’t visible. And anorexia nervosa is not a communicable disease or an “unhealthy habit.” It’s a serious but treatable brain disorder. Let’s knock off the policing of bodies and let’s help people get care with respect and privacy.
Here are some helpful verbs: support, treat, survive, thrive, and: mind your own business.
