Eating Disorders: The Pressure to Fit The Media’s Mold
How The Pressure of The Music Industry Adversely Has an Impact on The Eating Disorder Crisis
When you hear ‘eating disorder’ I’m sure a few things come to mind. Fad diets, Demi Lovato, or that new movie To The Bone starring Lily Collins. Eating disorders have been around for centuries, and only recently has it been talked about publicly in the media.
My Experience with Binge Eating & How Social Media has an impact on Musicians
I’ve never been professionally diagnosed, but I know I’ve dealt with binge eating in the past. As someone who has gone through it, it is not an easy thing to defeat. You are in a constant battle of not feeling good enough, swinging between periods of watching what you eat and periods of eating all food in sight (when no one else is looking). I always knew I had a problem, I just didn’t realize what it was until I was at college. Social media has a huge impact on mental health, and this adds to the growing cases of eating disorders across the board. Not only does it have an impact on the general public, but it affects celebrity musicians in a big way as well.
In their newest documentary, Demi Lovato: Dancing With the Devil, Demi states, “there’s just so much pressure as a female in the industry to look a certain way, and to dress a certain way.” This is no surprise as studies show that “70% of college women say they feel worse about their own looks after reading women’s magazines,” and, “20 million women and 10 million men suffer from a clinically significant eating disorder at some time in their life.”
“There’s just so much pressure as a female in the industry to look a certain way, and to dress a certain way.”
How The Music Industry Intensifies The Eating Disorder Crisis
Even though the idea of ‘the ideal body’ has changed over the years, the pressure to present yourself in a certain way has remained constant. Musicians in particular have a high pressure lifestyle, and this increases the likelihood of both mental health disorders and eating disorders. Musicians deal with the pressure from the media, friends and family, touring, and putting out music that will propel their careers. Hectic scheduling is also a major factor as to why musicians suffer from high rates of these disorders.
The music industry is complex. It demands both individuality and uniqueness in order to stand out, while at the same time conforming to the trends and the idea of the ‘ideal musician.’ Musicians from all facets of the industry face this - it’s not just mainstream pop stars who deal with eating disorders. In fact, a study published by Eating and Weight Disorders- Studies on Anorexia, Bulimia and Obesity, showed that those at the greatest risk for pathological eating and perfectionism were classical musicians. Stress, depression, and anxiety are all factors that have an impact on those in the music industry, and evidence can link them to eating disorders as well.
Ways To Cope
It can be overwhelming to overcome battles such as eating disorders, mental health issues, and daily stress. As someone who is an emerging musician with social anxiety and a past eating disorder, it can feel daunting trying to build my career as well as improve my health and well-being. Many musicians put off getting the help they need; whether due to cost, time, denial, or pressure from the media, anyone dealing with a serious issue like these should be able to get the help they need.
That being said, some things that have helped me are:
Getting Out
Being safe during these Covid times is great! However, try getting out at least once a day if possible. Even if it’s just 10-15 minutes sitting outside or going on a walk, getting fresh air and being out of your home can be a nice reset during a hectic day. Plus, exercise can be a great stress reliever.
Meditation and Yoga
I’ve found meditation and yoga to be a relaxing way to calm the body down when feeling stressed. They can help find your inner peace by listening to your breath to really connect you to your body.
Mindful Eating
We don’t always have time to enjoy our food, but when we do it’s good to be mindful. Being conscious of not only what you’re eating but how it tastes and makes you feel can help you enjoy your meal more, as well as slow down your eating so you aren’t overstuffing yourself.
Say a Positive
This is something I started doing to help build my confidence in myself. At some point in my day, I make a point to say or write down at least one positive thing about myself: I’m proud of my healthy eating, I was productive today, I like my smile, I took some time for myself, and did something fun, etc. No matter how big or small, saying good things about yourself can boost your confidence and over time hopefully improve your well-being.
Ways to Cope With Eating Disorders - The Den Collective
Eating disorders and mental health disorders aren’t something to be taken lightly. There are many resources out there providing assistance at all levels for those who need the help. Whether it’s a hotline, therapy, educators, coaches, articles, and more, there is something out there for everyone.
The Den Collective partners with Meridian Counseling with a sliding scale to provide therapy and resources to anyone who needs it. Appointments can be made here.
Aslana, AMITA, NEDA, ANAD, and Eating Recovery Center also offer treatments and assistance specializing in eating disorders.
No matter what you’re going through you don’t have to do it alone. Myself and The Den Collective are here to support and help in any way we can!
Sources:
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40519-017-0414-9
https://now.org/now-foundation/love-your-body/love-your-body-whats-it-all-about/get-the-facts/
https://www.rivermendhealth.com/resources/show-must-go-eating-disorders-among-musicians/
https://www.meridian-counseling.com/
https://www.meridian-counseling.com/beginyourjourney
https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-support/contact-helpline