Opening Statement:
There is excellent information regarding National Eating Disorder Week, and I wanted to highlight these facts in a separate article. The information aims to educate people on eating disorders, motivate them with a hopeful message, and allow those who need treatment to gain access to the necessary life-saving resources. The NEDA Week is an initiative taken by a non-profit organization called the National Eating Disorders Association, which is devoted to preventing eating disorders and increasing awareness of the dangers thereof, and providing resources to those in need. During this week, health care providers, eating disorder professionals, social workers, and individuals educate others about this severe mental health issue.
· According to the American Psychiatric Association, there are five different types of eating disorders, Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder (B.E.D.), Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (A.R.F.I.D.), and Other Specified Feeding or eating disorder (O.S.F.E.D.).
· Although there are many main factors like genetics that are responsible for eating disorders, they can commonly co-occur with other mental health issues like anxiety, major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and social phobia. Some of the possible symptoms associated with eating disorders include constantly feeling cold, fainting, sleeping issues, weight fluctuations, dizziness, weakness, and impaired immunity.
· Each year, NEDA Week is celebrated with a theme. This year’s theme is “The Time is Now.” The awareness will highlight the suppressed thoughts and suppressed conversations about disordered eating experienced by marginalized individuals and communities.
How to Observe NEDA Week
· Help Those in Need
There might be someone you know who is suffering from an eating disorder. You can do your best to support them and their family.
· Share Your Story
If you’re a fighter who has recovered from an eating disorder or know someone who has recovered from it, share the story and inspire people around you. You may help someone in need.
· Educate Others About Eating Disorders
Educate your friends, family, and others about the dangers of eating disorders and how they can lead a healthy life. What are you waiting for?
Facts About Food, Eating Habits, And Eating Disorders That Might Shock You
1. There are more than 30 million Americans ranging from kids to older adults who are suffering from eating disorders.
2. An eating disorder is a mental issue, contrary to what many people may think, an eating disorder is not a physical disorder, it is a mental disorder.
3. A person dies due to an eating disorder approximately every 60 seconds.
4. Treatment numbers are low and one in 10 people with eating disorders will receive proper treatment.
5. Binge eating is very dangerous and is the most common eating disorder in the United States. Binge eating affects 3.5% of women and 2% of men.
Closing Statement:
NEDA Week is not just about raising awareness, supporters across the globe contribute what they can to the people suffering from eating disorders. See what you can do on this day to contribute. Try putting printed material in general office locations at work, or post them on office messaging channels. NEDA Week empowers people suffering from eating disorders to seek professional help before it’s too late. I hope we all can agree the importance of this cause.
In today’s world where many of us are binging on junk foods or have poor eating habits, NEDA Week is an eye-opener to take care of our eating habits and mental health. Let’s all join in on the cause.
Source of Information: Various Google Searches
Until Next Week, Stay Safe and Well!
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