Looking at people's selfies and other images online could fuel eating disorders and depression, according to the results of a study.

A survey from New Canaan-based Silver Hill Hospital found that 61 percent of its 2,300 respondents with eating disorders said they thought about killing themselves. Eating disorders are often linked to depression, according to health professionals.

Dr. Erin Kleifield, who holds a doctorate in psychology and works at Silver Hill Hospital, said patients look at the online images and then they start believing that their lives would be better if they looked like other people.

"It goes beyond jealousy. It goes to despair," said Kleifield.

The survey found that 64 percent of the respondents also said they visited pro-anorexia websites for "thin-spiration."

"It's not the answer, that's not where the problem is," said Kleifield. "The problem is in self-esteem and how they feel about themselves. They're looking for this external way to fix what's on the inside."

Kleifield works with patients to help them accept their imperfections.