Reflections from Eating Disorders Awareness Week
What is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week?
Every year, one week is dedicated to raising awareness about eating disorders. While these efforts are important year round, this week is a designated period to focus on the importance of eliminating stigmas associated with these complex mental illnesses.
Falling this year on February 27-March 5, Eating Disorders Awareness week aims to dispel myths and help people understand the realities of eating disorders. According to ANAD, eating disorders affect at least 9% of the population worldwide and have one of the highest mortality rates of all mental illnesses, second only to opioid overdose. With a more widespread understanding and awareness, we hope that asking for help will be normalized, conversations about eating disorders will not feel shameful, and access to lifesaving treatment will become more accessible.
What is an Eating Disorder?
Eating disorders are complex medical and psychiatric illnesses that require professional help. Symptoms can include extreme food and exercise behaviors and obsession over weight or body shape.
Eating disorders can be present in any body type, shape, or size. So, it is impossible to tell by a person’s appearance whether they do or do not have an eating disorder.
Although eating disorders are commonly associated with adolescence, they are seen across age groups, including in children as young as 5. With diet culture on the rise, exposure to messages promoting a harmful relationship with food or body image is prevalent even for young children.
Recovery from an eating disorder involves professional treatment to mentally and emotionally work through the root of the illness. While weight restoration is an important aspect of recovery for some who need it medically, not everyone who experiences an eating disorder needs weight restoration.
With patience and a commitment to the treatment process, recovery from an eating disorder is possible! Trusting your support team and having a mindset of openness to the recovery process is important, but with patience, you can achieve recovery and live a life in freedom.
What is Diet Culture?
Diet culture refers to using “good” or “bad” words to label foods and body types, avoiding certain foods due to guilt, or associating someone’s health based on how they look, for example. The media is full of content that pushes these messages encouraging an unhealthy relationship with food. The result can be fear, shame, and guilt associated with eating.
Recognizing when diet culture messages circulate will help you to reject them. Here are a few ways to navigate diet culture:
1. Throw out the scale- Your weight does not have a direct correlation to your health or worth. You are not defined by a number!
2. Clear out any "diet" material in your environment and social media feeds- Social media is full of influencers that curate the “perfect daily routine” with meal ideas and workout routines. If this content makes you feel guilty about your own routine, unfollow them! Social media is curated. Trying to match your life to the videos you see can lead to shame or the adoption of unhealthy habits.
3. Choose a supportive community- Focus on spending time with people who celebrate all body shapes and sizes.
4. Show kindness and respect when talking about your body- Speak the same way about yourself as you would about a friend.
5. Honor your body for how it functions for you and protects you- The human body is an incredible, intricate vessel capable of so much! Dozens of organs made up of trillions of cells keep us alive each day. Try to point out a few of the body’s functions that you are thankful for.
6. Adhere to intuitive eating principles- According to NEDA, intuitive eating means trusting your body to make food choices that feel good for you, without judging yourself or being influenced by diet culture. Your body is capable of knowing what foods make you feel energized and satisfied. Reconnect with your intuition to eat the foods that make you feel good.
How to Support a Friend or Loved One
One of the missions of Eating Disorders Awareness Week is to help people recognize the signs and severity of eating disorders and equip them to check in on their circles.
To approach a friend or loved one you are concerned about, begin with validation. Let that person know that you’re thankful for them and care deeply about them. Make sure to choose a private space to talk rather than beginning the conversation in front of others. Share your concern using “I statements,” such as “I notice that when we go out, you don’t typically eat,” or “I am concerned because I see your struggle around food.” Using “I statements” will keep your conversation from taking an accusatory tone. After sharing your initial concern, ask how you can best support them. Encourage your loved one to get professional help, and reassure them that there is no shame in caring for yourself through treatment. Lastly, be prepared for resistance, and be patient. If your loved one is not open to conversation at that moment, let them know you love them, always support them, and will be available if they want to talk.
An eating disorder does not have to be the end of your story. Seek support and don’t give up hope!
