Social Media and Eating Disorders with Lily Thrope, LCSW
Whether you are active on social media or not…
…it’s probably had an impact on your life in one way or another. Let’s be honest—most of us have a love-hate relationship with it, and it’s the same story when it comes to how it impacts our relationship with food and body image. But, hey, why delete Instagram when you can just add more stress to your life, right?
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It’s all too easy to consume content that leaves us feeling not so great—because apparently, someone else’s perfectly curated “what I eat in a day” reel is the ultimate measuring stick for your own self-worth.
However, social media doesn’t have to be a place to hide behind a mask. You can continue to use these platforms in a balanced way. There are practical tools and strategies to protect your mental health.
In this episode, I’m joined by Lily Thrope, a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in NY, Massachusetts and Connecticut. Together, we’re diving into how social media can serve as a breeding ground for comparison, misinformation, and, surprise surprise, worsening self-esteem.
Lily Thrope, LCSW is the founder of Thrope Therapy LCSW PLLC, a group psychotherapy practice located in Midtown Manhattan. Thrope Therapy specializes in supporting individuals who experience eating disorders, disordered eating, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and LGBTQ+ clients. Lily helps her clients find the confidence to face these issues and find ways to live their happiest and most authentic lives. that they want in their lives. Thrope Therapy is built on the belief that each and every person deserves support and a safe space to work towards their most fulfilled and happy self.
In this episode, we're talking about:
Managing negative emotions without disengaging when scrolling content that doesn't resonate.
Avoiding uncomfortable discussions online vs. growth through confrontation in real life.
The impact of social media depends on how we use it.
The effects on body image and eating disorders.
Challenges for teens on social media.
The lack of nuance in social media.
The impact of algorithm-driven content and the importance of fact-checking.
Balancing the connection of social media and the harmful comparison and addictive behaviors.
Seeking validation from strangers and how it can create unsustainable self-worth and emotional instability.
Encouraging curated and conscious use to limit exposure to negative content.
Setting boundaries and time limits on all platforms.
How to prioritize offline interactions.
Leading by example as parents and mentors.
Tweetable Quotes
"Social media is not inherently bad or good... It is what we make of it or how it impacts us." - Rachelle Heinemann
"You cannot possibly give general advice …. that would apply to everyone." - Rachelle Heinemann
"It’s this pressure to constantly prove yourself and show who you are, but like be really cool and beautiful and thin and all these other ideals." - Lily Thrope
“The problem with social media is that those people who are validating you often don't know you… They're not validating you as a human being. They're validating you as a square on an app on a phone.” - Lily Thrope
“Social media is not going anywhere, so instead of saying how terrible it is, we have to say, how can we support our clients in setting good boundaries with it?” - Lily Thrope
“If your strategy is to exit out [from distressing situations], you're not going to be able to grow together with people, and you will end up more lonely.” - Lily Thrope
Resources
Connect with Lily on Instagram!
Grab the Replay of the Resistance in Treatment Webinar
Now accepting new clients! Find out if we're a good fit!
Related Episodes
Episode 119. Eating Disorders Don’t Have a Look
Episode 77. How to Accept Your Body
Episode 53. Teens and Eating Disorders with Danielle Swimm
Episode 44. Red flags and Warning Signs
Episode 24. Eating Disorders in College with Courtney Vickery MS, RD, LD
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Hey there! I’m Rachelle, the host of the Understanding Disordered Eating Podcast. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, I work with clients to make sense of life’s messy emotional experiences.
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