Opening Statement:
National Eating Disorder Awareness Week is spotlighted to educate about eating disorders. This year, it takes place from February 17th to 23rd. It’s an annual event meant to raise awareness of the resources accessible to those who suffer from these ailments. One of the main objectives of the week is to distribute information and the sharing of personal stories from people in recovery and their families, as well as the provision of life-saving resources and educational materials. Every diagnosis of an eating disorder, from anorexia nervosa, binge-eating disorders, avoidant-restrictive food intake disorder, and bulimia nervosa that can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, body size, or sexuality.
· What Is the Difference Between Anorexia and Bulimia?
Bulimia is similar to anorexia in that it’s characterized by an inflated desire for thinness and an abnormality in eating behavior. Anorexia nervosa is a syndrome of self-starvation, while bulimia nervosa is defined by binge-eating and compensatory purging behaviors. Vomiting, diuretic, and laxative abuse are examples of purging.
· Are There Characteristics People with Eating Disorders Share?
Many people with eating disorders, particularly those with anorexia nervosa’s restrictive subtype, are perfectionists, eager to please others, sensitive to criticism, and dubious of their own abilities. Adapting to new situations might be difficult for them, and they may become routine-bound.
· How Common Are Eating Disorders?
It is estimated that 0.5% to 3% of women suffer from the eating disorders anorexia and bulimia at some point in their lifetimes. These usually develop between the ages of 12 and 25. Males account for 10% of all cases and females the remaining 90%. There are more cases of B.E.D. and O.S.F.E.D. than of A.R.F.I.D., which has only lately been recognized as a diagnosis.
How to Observe National Eating Disorder Awareness Week
· Volunteer To Operate a Helpline
You can volunteer to operate a helpline. People need someone to help them with their struggles, and you can help them by speaking to them honestly and with encouragement. This is very important as some eating disorders may also be associated with suicidal behavior, including self-harm.
· Educate Yourself
If you want to be an ally, you need to educate yourself about eating disorders: types, habits of people who struggle with them, and so on. Be open-minded and listen to the stories of people who have gone through them. More importantly, be kind and try not to be judge mental as you learn.
· Share Your Experiences
If you have had any experience with eating disorders, you can share so others can learn more. Alternatively, you could invite someone who has had experience with an eating disorder to talk about it.
5 Facts About Eating Disorders
1. Mental Disorder
Eating disorders are the second leading cause of death from mental illness in the United States, after opioid use disorder.
2. Types Of Eating Disorders
Eating disorders can be divided into six distinct categories, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder.
3. No Distinct Look
People with eating disorders don’t always look emaciated — some people look healthy and still struggle with eating.
4. Don’t Blame Families
Families are not to blame when a family member develops an eating disorder.
5. Recovery
It’s very possible to recover from an eating disorder.
Why National Eating Disorder Awareness Week is Important
· It Raises Awareness
The week raises awareness of eating disorders, as well as factors that may be responsible for developing eating disorders. There are so many misconceptions and myths about them, which is why this week is so important.
· It Allows for Open and Honest Discussions
It can be very hard to overcome an eating disorder so this week, it’s very important to have open and honest discussions with others struggling with eating disorders. If you suffer from one, know that you’re not alone.
· It Offers Support
The week serves as an opportunity to show support for a group of people whose hardships are often invisible. We love being able to openly discuss and offer support.
Closing Statement:
On a very personal note, I’ve had my difficulties with having an eating disorder since grammar school. It is uncomfortable for me to admit that I do worry about gaining weight and how I look. However, I’m happy to share with help and support I am definitely on my way to stabilization and recovery. Unfortunately, I will always have compromised health, nutrition, and texture issues. With my having depression and anxiety, often I sleep long hours and miss meals. Sometimes my anxiety is so bad that I can’t finish my meals as well as I become nauseated while eating. When this does occur, it was explained to me by my doctor, that eating smaller meals throughout the day is better. Over the past 3-years, I’ve explored different healthy foods, fruits, and raw vegetables that I prefer to have in my protein shakes. If you feel worried about gaining weight, how you look, not eating properly, do not hesitate by discussing this matter with your healthcare professional and/or therapist.
Source of Information: Various Google Searches, Personal Experience and Opinions
Until Next Week, Stay Safe and Well!
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