Netflix To the Bone Warning & Discussion
- Christina Oiler
- Dec 15, 2017
- 3 min read
A heated controversy is the premiere of the Netflix movie “To the Bone”. People are outraged over the triggering content and increasing the likelihood of relapsing. I can see multiple sides of the story so I wanted to share my thoughts to prepare clinicians, clients and their loved ones. By just watching the trailer there are definitely triggering eating disorder behaviors. However, these behaviors and thoughts are very real and impacting individuals of all ages, sexes, socioeconomic statuses and races. I am glad that the movie is at least showing different people suffering from eating disorders. Eating disorders do not fit a manual so please don’t compare yourself or think you must match a character in the film criteria to be sick. It will be impossible to discuss every eating disorder characteristic in a short film. Let’s face it triggering things happen at home, work, school and even inside treatment centers. We cannot shelter ourselves from what triggers us as something is always bound to upset us. I am all for creating a safe space and healthy environment to recover from an eating disorder, however, some eating disorder thoughts and behaviors need to be tackled head on. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy with exposure response prevention is a healthy example of tackling an anxiety-provoking situation.
Because I work in the eating disorder field I am
sensitive to the ridiculous things people say about food, exercise and appearance. I was on an airplane recently and I overheard 3 different conversations about dieting. I attend a workout class and instructor keeps bringing up the calorie burn. These moments constantly happen and I have to make the decision to brush it off or take a stand to speak up for the greater good. I hear comments daily that can easily stir up distress with no matter the struggle.
All my clients are unique regarding their triggers and place in recovery. Watching this movie will impact them differently. I would not recommend someone in recovery to watch this. However, I am going to watch it so I can be prepared to discuss it openly if it comes up during nutrition sessions. When I was a teenager there were films and television shows that I stumbled across while channel surfing and became intrigued. I did not realize until years later the potential harm and “light bulb moments” some of these movies provide. For example, if you are doing x,y and z in the movie it might light a catalyst to seek professional help and early intervention. To the Bone will definitely teach some behaviors or might make someone experiment with dieting or wish they were anorexic. The actors in “To the Bone” want it strike up a conversation about this epidemic. Some clients active in recovery may not appreciate the character’s journey. However, imagine someone new in their eating disorder and learning about these consequences (health, social, relationships etc.) for the first time. Talk about wake up call.
I’m not necessarily upset about the movie and message itself, I’m more broken hearted about the extreme weight loss that actress had to go through to “look the part” and how weight loss strategies are floating around causing admiration, proana and thinspiration. I don’t like it when any actor loses or gains weight for a role.
The take home message:
If it looks and sounds triggering for you don’t watch it. Stay away from the movie and social media discussions.
If curiosity gets the best of you and you decide watch it. Try to watch it in a safe environment with a close family member or friend. Have a discussion with the person watching the film with you, your therapist and dietitian.
Unfortunately it can potentially be watched as “thinspiration” and admiration to be someone you are not.
It can start a conversation and action for someone to get help
Some of my favorite resources for clients & families include:
National Eating Disorder Association https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/
Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders http://www.anad.org
Alliance for Eating Disorders http://www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com
Exposure Therapy: https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/treatment-for-eating-disorders/types-of-treatments/exposure-response-prevention-therapy-erp
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