Eating Disorders Awareness – Get Screened, Get Help, Get Involved
The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) is a non-profit organization committed to supporting individuals and families whose lives are touched by the devastation of eating disorders. NEDA provides resources for navigating treatment options, psychoeducation for support systems, and stories of hope in life in recovery. NEDA’s most anticipated time of year is at the end of February for National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. This year from February 26th through March 4th, the eating disorders community will unite in a week of advocacy, awareness, fight, and celebration. Join us!
This year’s theme is “It’s Time To Talk About It.” NEDA identifies three ways to participate:
Get screened
Eating disorders are debilitating, life-threatening mental illnesses. They are extremely complex, influenced by a variety or combination of biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors. Eating disorders do not discriminate based on age, gender, race or ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or body size. Approximately 20 million women and 10 million men in the U.S. struggle with an eating disorder at some time in life (Wade, Keski-Rahkonen, & Hudson, 2011).
Screening for eating disorders can save lives. Early diagnosis, intervention, and treatment can lead to more successful eating disorder recovery outcomes, and that recovery is unquestionably attainable. If you have concerns for yourself or a loved one, take three minutes and complete the screen now. Seriously, just three minutes! Anonymously, of course.
Get help
Finding the right fit for eating disorder treatment is no easy task. NEDA provides support in accessing, affording, and recovering in treatment. For loved ones of those with eating disorders, NEDA provides resources for how to best understand and support in a positive and reinforcing way.
Talk to the team at O’Connor Professional Group to link to resources in your area. We are here for you!
Get involved
During NEDA Week, follow and join the social media hashtag #NEDAwareness to stay up to date on the week’s happenings. Seek out the facts on eating disorders. Increase your media literacy. Consider donating to NEDA if you are able. Take action in your social groups and communities. Be the change. Celebrate recovery and those who fight for it every moment of every day.
However you choose to participate, remember to practice self-care, seek support, and be kind to yourselves.
Happy National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, everyone!
References
Wade, T. D., Keski-Rahkonen A., & Hudson J. (2011). Epidemiology of eating disorders. In M. Tsuang and M. Tohen (Eds.), Textbook in Psychiatric Epidemiology (3rd ed.) (pp. 343-360). New York: Wiley.
