8 Ways to Participate in National Eating Disorders Awareness Week
Written by CCTC Staff Writer
Spreading awareness about eating disorders is crucial to breaking the stigma around these illnesses and providing access to resources. National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is an annual event designed to bring greater awareness and education about eating disorders among the general public. Read on to learn more about this special week and how you can participate this year!
What is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week?
National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is an annual event to bring attention to eating disorders and the struggles that individuals with them face. The week is typically held in February and focuses on bringing together individuals, organizations, families, mental health professionals, educators, medical professionals, and advocates to increase awareness of the prevalence of eating disorders and reduce the stigma attached to them.
When is it?
Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2023 is taking place Monday, February 27 - Sunday, March 5.
Why participate in National Eating Disorders Awareness Week?
Participating in National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is an important way to raise awareness about eating disorders, support those living with them, and create a supportive environment for those seeking help. It’s also a great opportunity to spread positivity and promote self-love and body acceptance.
If you are looking to get involved this year, here are 8 ways to participate during NEDA week:
1) Share information about eating disorders
Share facts and research about eating disorders on social media to help educate people. This is a great way to get the word out and inform people of the signs, symptoms, and dangers involved with eating disorders. You can share videos, graphics, blog posts, and other resources with your community. Make sure to tag your posts with this year’s campaign hashtags #EDAW and #EDAW 2023 —on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Here are some facts that may be of interest to share:
At any given point in time between 0.3-0.4% of young women and 0.1% of young men will suffer from anorexia nervosa
Subclinical eating-disordered behaviors (including binge eating, purging, laxative abuse, and fasting for weight loss) are nearly as common among males as they are among females.
Young people between the ages of 15 and 24 with anorexia have 10 times the risk of dying compared to their same-aged peers.
One study found that 35% of female and 10% of male college athletes were at risk for anorexia nervosa and 58% of female and 38% of male college athletes were at risk for bulimia nervosa.
A 2007 study asked 9,282 English-speaking Americans about a variety of mental health conditions, including eating disorders. The results, published in Biological Psychiatry, found that 3.5% of women and 2.0% of men had binge eating disorder during their life. This makes BED more than three times more common than anorexia and bulimia combined. BED is also more common than breast cancer, HIV, and schizophrenia.
Two-thirds of people with anorexia also showed signs of an anxiety disorder several years before the start of their eating disorder.
Approximately one in four people with an eating disorder has symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Up to 69% of patients with anorexia nervosa and 33% of patients with bulimia nervosa have a coexisting diagnosis of OCD.
In a study of women with eating disorders, 94% of the participants had a co-occurring mood disorder. 92% of those in the sample were struggling with a depressive disorder.
An estimated 90-95% of college students diagnosed with an eating disorder also belong to a fitness facility.
Head to NEDA for more statistics and research on eating disorders.
2) Visit a landmark building
Each year cities and landmark buildings across the country show their support for the eating disorder community through an annual lighting campaign in honor of Eating Disorders Awareness Week. The Lighting Campaign helps bring awareness to eating disorders and serves as a beacon of light, hope, connection, and community for individuals and families affected by these serious illnesses. For a list of this year’s participating landmarks, CLICK HERE .
No locations near you? You may also consider lighting up your business in blue and green! Be counted among the many landmarks across the country.
3) Share your story
Sharing your eating disorder recovery story is a powerful way to connect with others who are on the same journey and help educate those around you who are unfamiliar with eating disorders. If you feel comfortable doing so, consider sharing your story on social media or even speaking out at an event or local support group. You may also publish a blog or news article about eating disorders with a focus on advocacy or awareness.
4) Share the NEDA Screening Tool
The NEDA Screening Tool is an online quiz to assess whether you or a loved one may be at risk for having an eating disorder. Consider sharing the link on social media to make sure people have access to this important tool.
5) Share the NEDA Helpline information
The National Eating Disorders Association provides a free and confidential helpline for individuals and families affected by eating disorders. Make sure to share this important resource with your followers so that those in need can access information about eating disorders and get connected to a person who can help. You can call the confidential eating disorders Helpline Monday-Thursday from 11am to 9pm ET, and Friday from 11am to 5pm ET.
You can also chat with the NEDA Helpline! NEDA Helpline chat hours are Monday-Thursday from 9am to 9pm ET, and Friday from 9am to 5pm ET.
6) Make a donation
If you have the means, consider making a donation to the National Eating Disorders Association to help support their mission of providing support and information to those living with an eating disorder.
7) Attend an Eating Disorders Awareness Week Event
There are a ton of awareness and fundraising events happening across the nation. You can view a list of in-person and virtual events on NEDA's website here. You may also consider hosting your own event!
8) Learn more about eating disorders
Eating Disorders Awareness Week is a great time to learn more about eating disorders. Consider reading articles, books, and blogs written by people living with an eating disorder or educate yourself on the warning signs. The more we know about these illnesses, the better equipped we are to help those affected.
No matter how you decide to participate in National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, every action counts! Every bit of awareness you raise helps get us closer to a world where everyone is free from the fear and stigma associated with eating disorders.
If you or a loved one are seeking treatment for an eating disorder and would like to learn more about Central Coast Treatment Center programs or services, please reach out to us today.