The week of Feb. 21 is National Eating Disorder Awareness Week according to the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA). The goal of the week is to have people pay attention to the serious issues around eating disorders, along with tools to help those suffering from it.

These illnesses affect around half a million teens according to NEDA. It is not just teen girls who are affected, but men and older individuals as well. Individuals with eating disorders can be affected in many different ways, and these illnesses can be deadly if not recognized and treated. One of the main problems facing eating disorders is how to recognize them.

Eating disorders have many myths surrounding them that need to be broken down. People need to stop assuming certain ideas of what it looks like or what type of people endure these disorders The first myth is that they only affect women — this is completely wrong. According to the Alliance for Eating Disorders, men are affected as well. In fact, one in four cases involve men. People need to help those men who are suffering, rather than patronizing them under the reasoning that only women face these problems. This stigma makes it less likely that these men will seek help.

Another common belief, according to the Alliance for Eating Disorders, is that they only affect white females with higher income. This is false in so many ways as well. First, a person of any social standing can suffer from an eating disorder. It is not a rich problem, but rather a societal one as people continue to look up to celebrities whose thin body types may drive them to take drastic measures in order to obtain a certain figure — this can affect men and women at any societal level.

In regards to race, movies and novels may tend to depict white women as those with eating disorders. More attention needs to be drawn to different types of individuals who are going through the struggles of these disorders if society is going to accept eating disorders as a problem, which can affect anyone and does not simply adhere to a stereotype.

The best way to combat the myths is to share information about eating disorders. Share an article on social media about people who are affected or reach out to a friend who may be struggling. Stop telling people with eating disorders to just, “Go eat a cheeseburger.” Often times, people suffering have issues deeper then just eating. Learn to recognize the deeper, emotional issues, which may be part of someone’s eating disorder and how to work toward a healthy mind as well as body.

With millions of people affected every year, chances are you know someone who is suffering from an eating disorder. Research and information is out there. The lack of conversation about eating disorders does not mean it is not happening.

For more information on eating disorders and how to support those affected by them, visit NEDA’s website: http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org