The Connection Between Eating Disorders and Suicide Risk

Each September, suicide prevention month reminds us of the urgent need to talk about the issues that contribute to suicide risk and the critical need for prevention. This conversation is deeply personal for those of us working in this field. Eating disorders are among the most fatal of all mental health conditions, and suicide is tragically one of the leading causes of death for people struggling with these illnesses.

The intersection of eating disorders and suicide risk is complex, but what we know for sure is that prevention begins with awareness, recognition, and connection.

Decades of research shows that people with eating disorders are significantly more likely to experience suicidal thoughts and behaviors than the general population. According to the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA), approximately one-quarter to one-third of people with Anorexia nervosa, bulimia, or binge eating disorder have thought about suicide, and one-quarter to one-third of people with anorexia and bulimia have attempted suicide. Individuals with anorexia are 18 times more likely to die by suicide and those struggling with bulimia are seven times more likely to die by suicide.

Perfectionism, co-occurring depression, or anxiety, trauma histories, and social isolation can all increase the risk. Beyond the physical aspects of malnutrition, the psychological pain of living with an eating disorder can leave people feeling trapped and hopeless.

Behind the statistics are real people, with families and communities. Clinicians regularly encounter people whose eating disorders hide profound depression, parents who are consumed with fear for their child's life, and patients who once believed recovery was impossible until they experienced care that was personalized to their physical and emotional needs.

Noticing The Warning Signs

Suicide prevention begins with recognizing when someone may be in danger. Warning signs for those with eating disorders can be layered and easy to miss by an untrained eye. Alongside of hallmark eating disorder behaviors including food restriction, binging, purging, and excessive exercise, among others, increased suicide risk may be signaled by:

• Experience rapid declines in mood or functioning
• Withdraw from family and friends
• Talk or write about death or suicide
• Share feelings of hopelessness or being a burden
• Demonstrate extreme perfectionism or increased self-criticism

For family and friends, paying attention to both eating disorder symptoms and changes in emotional state is critical. Asking directly about suicidal thoughts, though uncomfortable can open the door to life saving conversations. According to research published by the National Library of Medicine, asking questions does not increase risk, but instead provides an opening for honesty, connection and support.

Eating Disorder Treatment Can Save Lives

Effective eating disorder treatment must integrate suicide prevention into every level of care. This includes training clinicians to screen consistently, address co-occurring mental health concerns and create safety plans with their patients. Because eating disorders rarely exist in isolation, treatment that emphasizes whole-person care including the psychological, medical, and nutritional aspects of the eating disorder simultaneously, offers the best chance for recovery.

Successful recovery depends on equipping patients and families with the tools they need to build supportive environments outside of treatment where openness, honesty and compassion replace stigma and silence.

Breaking Down the Barriers to Getting Help

Even with effective treatment models available, too many people encounter barriers to care. Stigma remains a formidable obstacle and continues to silence conversations about eating disorders and suicide. Financial and logistical challenges like cost of care, lack of insurance coverage or limited treatment options in rural areas also keep people from seeking help.

To change this reality, communities must prioritize advocacy, prevention and systemic reform. This includes fighting for broader insurance coverage, expanding the reach of specialized providers, and investing in early intervention efforts. It’s also important to normalize conversations about both eating disorders and suicide.

While statistics can be sobering, they do not tell the whole story. Recovery is possible, and suicide is preventable. Each life saved reflects the power of evidence-based treatment, family and community support, and the courage of individuals willing to seek help. It is so important for those who are experiencing suicidal thoughts to know they are not alone. Resources are available and help is within reach.

Whether in September or beyond, committing to honest conversations about eating disorders and suicide can help break the silence, reduce stigma, and shine a light on the path to healing.

If you or someone you know is in immediate crisis, dial or text 988 in the United States to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.