Teen Voices on Eating Disorders: Stories, Recovery, and Support

Episode 95: Eating disorders can be frightening, isolating, and hard to recognize — and they often appear in teens who seem successful, high-achieving, athletic, social, or “fine” on the outside. In this episode of State of Mind, student leader and mental health advocate Sophia Krish guest hosts a conversation shaped especially for teens, young adults, families, educators, and anyone who cares about a young person who may be struggling. Sophia is joined by psychologist, author, and body image expert Dr. Charlotte Markey, along with Mia Perry and Austin Gautreau, who share their personal experiences with eating disorder recovery.

Together, they explore how eating disorders can develop, the role of social media and cultural messages about food and bodies, the pressure of perfectionism, and why eating disorders are often missed or misunderstood. Austin’s story also highlights the added stigma boys and men may face when their experiences don’t fit common assumptions about who struggles with eating disorders.

The episode also includes In Your Voice stories from Katherine and Ellie-Kate offering additional teen perspectives on social media, asking for help, and the courage it can take to let others know something is wrong.

Throughout the conversation, guests emphasize that eating disorders are serious mental health conditions — not choices, phases, or vanity — and that recovery often begins with being seen, believed, and supported. The episode closes with practical guidance on early intervention, prevention, treatment, and how teens and families can take a first step toward help.

Broadcasts: 10/4/26 & 10/12/26
Producer: Debra Sloss LMFT
Guest Host: Sophia Krish
Guests: Charlotte Markey, PhD, Austin Gautreau & Mia Perry
Contributors: Ellie-Kate Gilfert & Katherine

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Transcription. Read the full English transcript of this episode here:
English Transcription – Episode 95: Teen Voices on Eating Disorders 

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🧠ABOUT STATE OF MIND
State of Mind is an all-volunteer produced mental health and wellness podcast and radio show hosted by psychotherapist Debra Sloss. Through intimate, story-rich conversations with guests and experts, we explore the complexity of being human and how to live well. Learn more at stateofmindmedia.org. Produced with support from KSQD Community Radio.

🙏 SPECIAL THANKS
Audio Production: Austin Gautreau
Community Coordination: Evelyn Campbell
Story Coaching: Patrice Vecchione
Research: Sara Isenberg
Transcriptions:  Niharika Naik & Leah Bilstad
Graphic Design: Joanne Quan & Grishma Jain
Marketing: Esmeralda Montero
Content Distribution: Loan Tran
Theme Music: Adrian Legg & Favored Nations Entertainment

* Indicates a Monterey Bay Area Resource

Books & Reading
Adultish: The Body Image Book for Life by Dr. Charlotte Markey (2024) – A book for young adults navigating the “adult-ish” years, with research-informed guidance about well-being, independence, body image, and developing a healthier relationship with oneself.

The Body Image Book for Girls: Love Yourself and Grow Up Fearless, Updated Edition by Dr. Charlotte Markey (2026) – A practical, evidence-informed guide to help girls understand body image pressures and develop a more compassionate and critical relationship with appearance ideals.

The Body Image Book for Girls: Love Yourself and Grow Up Fearless by Dr. Charlotte Markey (2020) – A resource for girls and the adults who support them, focused on body image, media literacy, health, and challenging harmful appearance ideals.

Being You: The Body Image Book for Boys by Dr. Charlotte Markey, Daniel Hart, and Douglas Zacher (2022) – A book addressing body image concerns among boys, helping normalize their questions and experiences while offering research-based information for young people and caregivers.

Body Positive: Understanding and Improving Body Image in Science and Practice edited by Elizabeth A. Daniels, Meghan M. Gillen, and Charlotte H. Markey (2018) – A research-based book focused on positive body image and practices that can help people develop more accepting relationships with their bodies.

Websites & Organizations
Dr. Charlotte Markey – Website for psychologist, researcher, author, and body image expert Dr. Charlotte Markey, with information about her work, books, speaking, and resources related to body image and eating behaviors.

The Body Image Books – Website featuring Dr. Charlotte Markey’s body image books for girls, boys, young adults, and adults, with resources related to food, bodies, and well-being.

ANAD — National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders – A nonprofit organization offering eating disorder information, support groups, peer support, and resources for people affected by eating disorders and those who care about them.

F.E.A.S.T. — Families Empowered and Supporting Treatment for Eating Disorders – A nonprofit organization supporting parents and caregivers of people with eating disorders. The website includes evidence-based guides, videos, webinars, and information about diagnosis, nutrition, and treatment options.

Be Real USA – A nonprofit organization focused on body image education and prevention work with adolescents, families, schools, and communities. Their resources include tools for creating more body-confident environments for young people.

The Body Positive – An organization that trains educators, student leaders, and providers in body image and self-acceptance curriculum. Their website includes training opportunities and free resources focused on body acceptance and cultural change.

FEDUP Collective – An organization focused on eating disorder support and advocacy for trans+, intersex, and gender-diverse people. Their site includes information, vetted provider resources, and support group information.

STRIPED — Strategic Training Initiative for the Prevention of Eating Disorders – A public health initiative based at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Boston Children’s Hospital. STRIPED focuses on eating disorder prevention, body image, weight stigma, beauty ideals, supplement use, and policy advocacy.

Centre for Appearance Research – A research center at the University of the West of England focused on appearance and body image. Their website includes research, videos, resources, and the Appearance Matters podcast.

Eating Disorders Coalition – An advocacy organization focused on public policy and legislative work related to eating disorders. This may be especially useful for listeners interested in advocacy or policy change.

Treatment, Counseling & Support
*The Lotus Collaborative — Santa Cruz – A Santa Cruz eating disorder and behavioral health treatment center offering in-person and virtual care for eating disorders and co-occurring mental health concerns. The Lotus Collaborative provides trauma-responsive, 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming support for teens and adults, with services that may include eating disorder treatment, outpatient therapy, nutrition services, and mood and trauma treatment.

Eating Recovery Center – A treatment organization offering eating disorder care at different levels, including inpatient and outpatient support. Mia shared that ERC was an important resource for both her and her parents during recovery.

SAMHSA National Helpline – A 24/7 confidential helpline in English and Spanish that provides referrals to mental health and substance use treatment resources. Call 1-800-662-4357 for support.

LGBTQ+ Healthcare Directory – A directory to help people find LGBTQ+ affirming healthcare providers. This may be especially helpful for LGBTQ+ youth and families seeking inclusive care related to eating disorders or mental health.

Mental Health & Coping Tools
SimplePractice CBT Exercises – A collection of cognitive behavioral therapy exercises. Mia noted that learning CBT tools has helped her cope with anxiety and support her ongoing recovery.

Headspace YouTube Channel – A meditation and mindfulness resource with accessible videos and guided practices. Mia shared that meditation and grounding practices have been helpful in her recovery.

NIMH — Eating Disorders: What You Need to Know by the National Institute of Mental Health (Revised 2024) – A federal health publication offering an overview of eating disorders, symptoms, treatment, risk factors, and guidance on finding help.

NAMI Ask the Expert – A series of recorded webinars featuring experts discussing mental health topics. This can be a useful general mental health education resource for listeners and families.

Podcasts, Videos & Media
Mental Note Podcast — Eating Recovery Center – A podcast from Eating Recovery Center featuring conversations about mental health struggles, treatment, and recovery.

TED Talk on Eating Disorder Recovery – A talk recommended by Ellie-Kate as a resource that helped her feel less alone during recovery. This may be especially meaningful for younger people looking for a relatable personal story.

Appearance Matters Podcast – A podcast from the Centre for Appearance Research exploring body image, appearance, and related social and psychological issues.

Advocacy & Policy
Eating Disorders Coalition – A policy and advocacy organization working to advance recognition, prevention, and treatment access for eating disorders.

STRIPED — Strategic Training Initiative for the Prevention of Eating Disorders – STRIPED works at the intersection of eating disorder prevention, public health, research, and policy advocacy, including efforts related to youth safety, weight stigma, and diet products.

FEDUP Collective – In addition to support resources, FEDUP advocates for trans+, intersex, and gender-diverse people with eating disorders and highlights the need for care that addresses both eating disorders and gender identity.

Contact Guests
Sophia Krish – Guest Host
Email: sophiaskrish@gmail.com

Charlotte Markey, PhD.
Website: Dr. Charlotte Markey

*Indicates a Monterey Bay Area resource