National Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2018 runs from 26 Feb to 4 March, the campaign’s focal question being ‘Why Wait?’ It is an international awareness event, fighting the myths and misunderstandings that surround anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder and EDNOS (Eating disorder not otherwise specified).
“Eating disorders are devastating illnesses that can result in severe physical and psychological distress for the sufferer, having the highest mortality rate over any other psychiatric disorder,” says Harley Street nutritionist Rhiannon Lambert, who works with individuals suffering with eating disorders.
Clinical Psychologist Alexis Conason, writing for Psychology Today, addresses some of the stereotypes and misperceptions about who gets eating disorders. She reminds readers that:
(1) Eating disorders affect people across the weight spectrum
(2) Boys and men get eating disorders too (although eating disorders may look different in men, a 2014 study revealed that 31% of adolescent boys and young men reported eating disorder symptoms)
(3) The transgender community is at higher risk for eating disorders (one study revealing they were nearly 5 times more likely)
(4) Low-income African-American and Hispanic adolescents and adults have increased risk of eating disorders.
It is rightly stated that we need to find ways to make treatment accessible for all people struggling with an eating disorder and that starts with changing our preconceptions about what someone with an eating disorder looks like.
It is estimated that 1.25 million people in the UK have an eating disorder and, on average, 149 weeks pass before those experiencing symptoms seek help. Beat Eating Disorders, the UK’s leading eating disorder charity, conducted a survey of over 2000 people and found that a staggering 34% of adults are unable to name any signs or symptoms of eating disorders. Examples of symptoms may include low confidence and self-esteem and a distorted perception of weight or shape.
Beat Chief Executive Andrew Radford believes that the lack of awareness is stopping sufferers from seeking help quickly. He argues: “It’s really important we get across the message of spotting the symptoms of a mental illness to diagnose a mental illness. Generally speaking, eating disorders have physical consequences, but it you’re waiting for those to emerge, it’s far too late.”
This year Beat Eating disorders UK have launched their #whywait campaign, encouraging people to seek support as early as possible. The faster an individual gets the treatment they need, the more likely they are to make a full and fast recovery. It is therefore vital to emphasise not only the types of support available, but also raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of an eating disorder and encourage individuals to take action.
There are a number of ways to get involved in the campaign, with any contribution aiding in raising awareness and ensuring that more people get the appropriate help they need. You can take a photo in your boldest socks and post it on your social media to join their #SockItToEatingDisorders campaign, as well as sharing their messages about the #WhyWait campaign on Facebook and Twitter.
You can donate to Beat Eating Disorders UK, either as a one off or monthly payment, via this link: https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/donate. If you want to take it a step further and fundraise yourself, you can sign up to ‘Sock It to Eating Disorders’ to combat stigma and save lives. From Marathons to 10k’s to Skydives, there are a variety of events you can take part in, as well as any other ideas you might think are a great way to raise money and awareness.
For more information, please visit:
https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/
https://mengetedstoo.co.uk/support-us/eating-disorders-awareness-week
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/eating-mindfully/201802/the-real-truth-about-eating-disorders
Helpline: 0808 801 0677
To order a fundraising pack for Sock It to Eating Disorders:
https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/events/55/fundraising-pack