Shhh… Don’t say it out loud! Because as the words slip through your lips, they cause others to shy away as their minds become clouded with stigmatized ideas. How has a medical condition become vulgar language in a culture consumed by its effects? Eating disorders are not something that can be masked just because it might be uncomfortable to talk about.

There are approximately 20 million women and 10 million men in the United States suffering from an eating disorder, yet they are still widely considered a choice, not an illness. This is like blaming those who caught the flu, declaring it is their fault for falling victim to the virus, that they were in complete control of avoiding a medically diagnosable illness. Now they must treat themselves, even though countless others are also experiencing similar symptoms.

An eating disorder is not a lifestyle choice that someone decided to bestow upon him or herself. There are various external and internal factors that influence their acts and thought processes. We don’t blame people for catching the flu, so why does society criticize those who experience anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorders or other eating-related conditions not otherwise diagnosed?

Today marks the first day of National Eating Disorder Awareness Week (#NEDAwareness). It is a week dedicated to debunking myths, expressing support to victims and survivors and encouraging treatment for those who continue to suffer from the detrimental effects of these mental disorders. NEDA marks a period set aside to create a community of mutual understanding and compassion for survivors and current victims of eating disorders.

It is harmful to believe you can visibly see when someone has an eating disorder. People who are suffering come in all shapes and sizes. A person does not need to be emaciated to be living with an eating disorder. Eating disorders don't just arise in wealthy white women; they can affect anyone, regardless of gender, socioeconomic class, race or sexual identity. These myths are just a few of the perpetuating assumptions that are associated with eating disorders; with them come heart-wrenching consequences.

Such stigmas can discourage individuals to seek help because they convince themselves that they don’t have a problem. Someone is not weak, powerless or unconfident if they admit having an eating disorder and need help. It just means it is their turn for recovery.

The National Eating Disorder Association offers an online screening tool that poses questions to struggling individuals to help determine if maybe it is time for you to see professional help. There is no shame. It is a battle, but not one you need to fight alone. Your freedom is worth more than the calories that confine you. Treatment is out there--and you deserve relief.