Eating Disorder Awareness: What’s My Part?
Written by ‘Ai Pono Hawaii Staff Writer
Eating disorders are still misunderstood illnesses, despite estimates that 20 million women and 10 million men in America will experience an eating disorder at some point in their life. We all can play an important role in helping to reduce stigma and spread awareness on eating disorders.
In this article, we’ll discuss:
National Eating Disorders Awareness week
Action to take as someone with an active eating disorder
Action to take as someone who is in recovery or has recovered
Action to take as a family member or friend to someone struggling with an eating disorder
Action to take as a community member passionate about eating disorder awareness
During the last week of February the National Eating Disorders Association celebrates National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. This annual campaign aims to educate the public about eating disorders and to provide hope, support and visibility to individuals and families affected by eating disorders. By shining a light on the causes, dangers, and treatment options and to empower everyone with the information and knowledge to reduce risk factors and join prevention efforts.
Whether you are dealing with an active eating disorder, are in recovery or have recovered, have a family member struggling with an eating disorder, or a general member of the community - everyone can have a voice and role in education and prevention not just during awareness week, but all year long.
If you are wondering what action you can take to join the movement, here are some ideas.
As someone with an active eating disorder…
Struggling with an eating disorder is an extremely difficult and personal experience. If you are currently dealing with an eating disorder, it’s important to meet yourself wherever you are. While you may not be in a place where you are willing to share your experiences, here are some actions you can take to help join awareness efforts.
Follow accounts on social media that are advocates for eating disorder awareness, engaging with these accounts can help them reach larger audiences.
If you feel comfortable doing so, share articles or re-share posts you find educational or helpful on your social media accounts to help it reach more people.
Write a body-positive message and leave it somewhere for a friend, family member or stranger to find.
Listen to eating disorder recovery podcasts, whether or not you are ready to pursue recovery, this can be educational and inspiring while you consider next steps. Listening helps these shows reach a larger audience.
Take time to consider disclosing your experience with a trusted loved one.
As someone who is in recovery or has recovered…
Having lived experience of an eating disorder and the recovery process allows you to understand the realities of this illness and process more than anyone. Here are some ways to join in on awareness actions.
While you are not expected to, if you feel comfortable sharing your story and experience that can be a powerful to help spread awareness and educate others. Whether it is sharing on social media, submitting a blog post about your recovery story, or talking to a few loved ones - this information can help more people understand this illness.
Participate in a NEDA Awareness walk. These events gather members of the community to support loved ones with eating disorders to raise money that funds awareness efforts, research initiatives, and accessible treatment and support.
Consider volunteering or interning for a non-profit involved in eating disorder prevention and awareness efforts like the National Eating Disorders Association. Whether it is helping organize a NEDA walk, or volunteering for the helpline to assist people in finding resources, support and treatment options, you will be playing a role in making a difference.
Joining or attending a support group can be a powerful way to not only support yourself in recovery, but offer personal insight and hope to others who may be in a place in recovery you once were. ‘Ai Pono offers free ongoing support for Alumni with monthly virtual groups to provide helpful information, reminders and answers to frequently asked questions.
Through policy initiatives, NEDA cultivates change in partnership with legislators, grassroots advocates, and other groups who share our vision of a world without eating disorders. You can sign up for action alerts through NEDA to stay up-to-date on the latest calls for legislative advocacy, raise awareness, and support those affected by eating disorders. You may sign up for these alerts here.
A family member or friend to someone struggling with an eating disorder…
As a parent or loved one watching someone grapple with an eating disorder can be a difficult and overwhelming experience. The support system of someone contemplating recovery or actively in recovery plays a huge role in helping their loved one get and stay well. Beyond supporting your loved one, your actions can make an impactful difference in awareness and prevention efforts. Here are a few ways to get involved.
Educating yourself as much as you can about eating disorders can help you understand the illness and how it impacts your loved one. Reading books, listening to podcasts, and reading blogs or articles can provide you with a wealth of information that better equips you to support your loved ones recovery.
If your loved one is currently seeking help and you are able to talk with their outpatient treatment team, you can ask these providers for additional resources and ask questions that you have. Many treatment centers also offer support group options for loved ones to help provide necessary support to the whole family.
If your loved one is struggling and does not have treatment or support, you may want to encourage them to seek professional help. This necessary but difficult conversation may come with denial or negative reactions, to best prepare yourself do research on the do’s and don’ts on how to support your loved one where they are. Some great resources include NEDA, Eating Disorder Hope and Alliance for Eating Disorders.
Ask your loved one what you can do to help support them on their journey and remind them that you are there for them during this time.
Supporting a loved one during this difficult time takes a lot of energy. Making time for self-care is a vital way to support your wellbeing to continue showing up in the best way possible for your loved one. As they say, you can’t pour from an empty cup.
Join a Facebook group for parents with children or loved ones with eating disorders, this can help you feel less alone in this process and get advice and support from others in similar situations.
As a general member of the community…
Everyone can make a difference, especially those who may have not had a personal experience with eating disorders but want to learn more and help spread awareness. Here are some steps you can take to join awareness efforts.
A powerful way to help with the prevention of eating disorders, or support those struggling with eating disorders, is being aware of how diet talk can reinforce disordered behaviors and the thin ideal. Learning to not engage in talk about weight, body, or food with your own friends or family and educating others on why they shouldn’t engage it, helps to create a ripple effect of people building healthier relationships with their own bodies and hopefully supporting others in their lives to do so.
Join in on community events or online educational webinars to learn more about eating disorders and how you can make a difference.
Support online creators, blogs, and podcasts that spread education on eating disorders and diet culture. This is a great way to not only get information for yourself, but to help these resources reach more people.
Share information on your social media that may be helpful to others who are struggling with an eating disorder. A great place to start is sharing NEDA’s information on getting screened, finding treatment and how to contact the helpline here.
No matter what steps you take, you can play a role in making a difference.
If you or a loved one is suffering from an eating disorder, take the first step today and talk to someone about recovery or start by learning about the eating disorder recovery programs we offer.