The Importance of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week & How to Continue its Mission
Guest Post By Jennifer McAdams, MA, LCPC, CEDS-S – Clinical Director of Eating Disorder Services at Eating Recovery Center, Chicago
Did you know that more than 30 million people in the U.S. will suffer from symptoms of an eating disorder at some point in their lifetime(1)? At Eating Recovery Center (ERC), we’ve discovered that up to 80% of patients who receive and complete eating disorder treatment will recover or improve significantly. But because of the lack of education around treatment and the stigma around eating disorders, 70% of those who suffer will not seek treatment(2). The 20 million women and 10 million men affected by anorexia, bulimia, binge eating and other disorders deserve better.
ERC is proud to partner with the National Eating Disorders Association every year to participate in National Eating Disorder Awareness (NEDA) Week. Why is this week so important? Not only does it give those suffering from an eating disorder a close community that can support them, it educates so many people about how treatment can save someone’s life and offer them full recovery.
As eating disorders are becoming more and more prevalent in the media, including in Taylor’s Swift new documentary “Miss Americana,” it’s vital that the right information is being delivered. Those struggling not only experience challenging physical symptoms, but their mental wellness is affected. One in five deaths of those with anorexia is from suicide(3).
That’s why we are excited to team up with Hope For The Day to talk about the importance of NEDA Week. Here’s what you need to know about this week of celebration and inspiration, along with how to continue the progress we’re making together.
NEDA Week is allowing for conversations around eating disorders.
Since our work is dedicated to eating disorder awareness and recovery, we live and breathe in the language each day. But those suffering or their loved ones likely don’t across as much content about eating disorders. This week helps us deliver information online, across social media platforms, and through outreach in our communities, such as the NEDA Walks that take place around the nation.
Those in recovery feel empowered enough to share their story.
Sharing that you are one of many who suffers from an eating disorder can be one of the most challenging tasks, especially if you aren’t in treatment yet. NEDA Week gives people a voice when they feel like they don’t have one. And when people see that they aren’t alone and there are many others just like them, they might get inspired to share their personal story or to ask for help.
We’re reaching more people affected, including their loved ones.
Not all people who have an eating disorder are on social media, or they might not follow pages that talk about NEDA Week or recovery. But because doctors, therapists, non-profits, friends and family members are exposed somehow, we are hoping the widespread conversation will reach those who need to hear it. Maybe a parent will hear about NEDA Week and start seeing symptoms of an eating disorder in their child. Or a friend is inspired to have a conversation with someone they are worried about.
The data around eating disorders is making a bigger impact.
Sadly, the amount of eating disorders in the world isn’t decreasing. But because we are learning more and more about each condition each day, this gives us information that we can share in hopes that it will inspire people to have conversations and realize how important treatment is.
We are setting up and promising future conversations.
Although NEDA Week 2020 has come to an end, we won’t stop having conversations, educating people, and talking about the importance of eating disorder treatment – and you shouldn’t either. NEDA Week is meant to start a conversation that will continue all year long.
We need to use the momentum we gathered this week to continue our work. We need to reach even more people and help more sufferers through education, awareness, and the commitment to get them the help they deserve. For those of us who have made this our life’s work, we will continue to use every platform at our disposal. Will you join us by spreading awareness, supporting the suffering, and helping us break the stigma? Together we can make a difference and save lives.
If you or someone you know has been impacted by an eating disorder please visit Eating Recovery Center and find additional Mental Health Resources here.
References
1. Hudson, J. I., Hiripi, E., Pope, H. G., & Kessler, R. C. (2007). The prevalence and correlates of eating disorders in the national comorbidity survey replication. Biological Psychiatry, 61(3), 348–358.
2. National Eating Disorders Association.
3. Arcelus, J., Mitchell, A. J., Wales, J., & Nielsen, S. (2011). Mortality rates in patients with anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders: a meta-analysis of 36 studies. Archives of General Psychiatry, 68(7), 724-731.