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Reclaiming Narratives: Eating Disorders, Body Image & The Gay Community

In this week's episode, Han is joined by Ed Millgate. Ed is a Clinical Scientist with a specific interest in schizophrenia, however, Ed joins us today to step away from his research practice and share his experience of an eating disorder and the interaction his sexuality did, and didn't play a role in its development.

  • Ed's personal experience of developing an eating disorder and how this tied into his identity.

  • The impact Ed's sexuality had on the development of his eating disorder, and how his body shape supported his identity.

  • The pressures which exist in the gay community to conform to particular body types.

  • The role of dating apps and how they contribute to body image and self-esteem preoccupation.

  • The overlap, yet distinction, between the development of Ed's eating disorder and thoughts regarding his sexuality.

  • Elements within a treatment setting that would have retrospectively supported Ed's recovery.

Please note that this podcast discusses eating disorder topics that some individuals may find triggering. Please check in with yourself along the way, and remember this is not a replacement for clinical support and advice.

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