How peer support can help in eating disorder recovery
07 Sep 2026
As a Peer Support Worker at Eating Disorders Victoria (EDV), Heather uses her own experience of an eating disorder and recovery to support others as they work towards meaningful lives beyond illness.
Heather said one of the biggest myths about eating disorders is that they can be recognised by someone’s appearance or their behaviour around food.
Eating disorders do not have a particular look. They can affect people of any weight, shape or size.
Heather believes wellbeing is about more than body image or food. It can include a person’s connection with themselves, their identity, relationships, happiness and ability to take part in everyday life.
For Heather, wellbeing means nourishing her body, getting enough rest, moving in ways she enjoys, connecting with others and focusing on the things that help her feel well.
She focuses on how she feels in herself and her body, including her energy, relationships, nourishment and ability to concentrate, rather than setting specific goals around weight, food or exercise.
Heather also recognises that health and wellbeing can change throughout a person’s life.
The value of feeling understood
Heather remembers a participant being surprised that she understood and could relate to thoughts linked to their eating disorder.
She said the experience highlighted the unique value of peer support and how important it can be for people to feel genuinely understood.
Small moments also motivate Heather in her work. These include celebrating progress, sharing a laugh, finding common interests and seeing someone recognise their own growth.
Her message to people experiencing an eating disorder, and to those supporting them, is that recovery is possible.
Regardless of how long someone has experienced an eating disorder or how severe it has been, people can build meaningful and fulfilling lives beyond the illness.
For Heather, supporting others is about walking alongside them, holding hope and showing that life beyond an eating disorder is possible.
How peer support can help in eating disorder recovery
Source: Eating Disorders Victoria (EDV)