Eating Disorder Awareness Week
Eating disorders can’t afford to wait
FEBRUARY 1-7, 2021
February 1st marks the start of Eating Disorder Awareness Week (EDAW). It is estimated that 2.7 million people in Canada, and 55% of Albertans, are affected by an eating disorder. Eating disorders have the second highest mortality rate of all mental illnesses.
In order to truly offer a safe space for healing, we need to change the landscape in eating disorder treatment. One of the most harmful beliefs held in our world, and in our medical system, is that eating disorders have a “look”. This prevents many folks from receiving the treatment they deserve and need to heal. This belief also leaves people thinking they aren’t “sick enough” to receive support. The majority of people struggling with an eating disorder or disordered eating are not living at a low body weight. In the words of Jennifer Gaudiani: “There is no one measurement—a weight, a laboratory value, a vital sign—that makes someone sick enough to seek treatment and recovery”. You are deserving of support.
When we look at our world, it is evident why so many people feel that they aren’t sick enough. Diet culture, fatphobia and weight stigma run rampant in our culture and in our medical system. Our culture normalizes and promotes a disordered relationship with food. Many folks who are struggling or at risk have been congratulated and told to continue with their disordered behaviours in the name of “health”. These are all barriers that prevent people from seeking support. We need to do better. Eating disorders can’t afford to wait.
Eating disorders do not discriminate – they affect people of all sizes, genders, sexual orientations, ages, abilities and races.
All humans are deserving of safe, inclusive, respectful and compassionate care. All humans deserve to live at peace with food and their body.
If you, or someone you know is struggling, please reach out. You do not need a formal diagnosis to receive support. Your story matters, you are not alone, and you are deserving of a full and joyful life.
For more information on events happening throughout EDAW, visit EDSNA, NEDIC and Silver Linings Foundation.
