Reaching Out Against Eating Disorders provides a wide variety of support groups for sufferers of eating disorders and those affected by these disorders. Support groups provide an environment in which those who are suffering and those whose lives are affected by eating disorders can express their feelings and experiences to individuals who understand their personal struggles. Often those suffering, as well as their friends and families, experience an overwhelming sense of aloneness and isolation. Support groups provide the additional benefit of allowing these individuals to come together and gain the knowledge that they are not alone. The feedback and sharing of experiences aid greatly in a person’s recovery.

It is important to keep in mind that these support groups are not therapy, and do not take the place of treatment. The support groups are most effective when used in conjunction with individual therapy.

The following are a list of the weekly and bi-weekly support groups that ROAED offers.
These groups are free of charge. Pre-registration is required.
Please call 212-935-2015.

Anorexia and Bulimia (Offered for a variety of age groups)
This group is a forum for a variety of age groups in which individuals with anorexia and bulimia can work towards their paths to recovery together. This group is informative, therapeutic, and healing, and will include topic-based discussions.

Family and Friends
This group allows family and friends of those suffering from eating disorders to come together and gain information about what their loved one is going through, while providing a safe environment in which they have the opportunity to express their feelings and give each other support and encouragement.

Mothers of Children with Eating Disorders
This group is targeted specifically towards offering mothers of children who are suffering from an eating disorder the opportunity to voice their own feelings and fears about their child’s disorder, and learn how other mothers handle this challenge. This group provides the information and support mothers need to encourage their child’s recovery, while working to take care of themselves and other members of their family.

Men’s Group
More often men are becoming sufferers of both anorexia and bulimia. This group seeks to break the isolation that men with eating disorders experience, and help them feel supported and encouraged in their recovery.

Binge Eating
This group is a forum where individuals suffering from compulsive overeating can help one another through the process of recovery by offering encouragement, support, and hope. This group is a safe environment in which members can share their experiences and learn new coping strategies for handling their emotions without turning to food as a comfort.