February 1st to 7th is Eating Disorders Awareness Week

February 1st to 7th is Eating Disorders Awareness Week. If you’re facing a challenge with an eating disorder, you’re not alone. Unfortunately in our society it has become common to worry about bodyweight, shape and size. For some people this worry becomes an eating disorder. Eating disorders can be damaging for you, your friends and family. They can affect all parts of your life; your relationships, work performance, and your physical and emotional wellbeing. At CMHA we believe in your right to be comfortable with your natural weight, shape and size. There are ways to overcome your eating disorder so you can once again find strength and peace.

People suffering from these disorders may:

• under-eat
• binge eat an extremely large amount of food in a short period of time and often feels out of control
• have an obsessive desire to be thinner
• judge self-worth based on body shape and weight
• try to control their weight by vomiting, excessive exercise, abusing laxatives, diet pills or diuretics

As a parent or friend, you may notice some of all of these changes:

• rapid weight loss
• not gaining weight at an appropriate rate
• hair loss
• avoiding food and avoiding situations that involve food
• binge eating and or vomiting
• excessive exercise
• difficulty concentrating or completing school assignments

As part of Eating Disorders Awareness Week, the City of Guelph is showing their support by lighting up the downtown rink purple. The Waterloo Wellington Eating Disorders Coalition is also hosting a variety of events in the Guelph, Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge regions. Faces of Recovery will be on February 7 in Guelph and is a night showcasing recovery from a lived experience perspective. February 12 is a night all about eating disorders where people can gain more information in understanding eating disorders and how to access help or be helpful as a supportive loved one. For more information, please visit eatingdisorderscoalition.ca. You can also learn more about eating disorders at nedic.ca.

CMHA WW is a community-based team that includes nurse practitioners, psychiatry, dietitians, and therapists. We help individuals and families dealing with eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. We provide evidence-based treatment for children, youth and adults in Waterloo Region and Wellington County. Referrals are welcome from anyone, including families, doctors and community partners. You can learn more or be referred through Here 24/7 at 1-844-HERE-247. Learn more about the Eating Disorders program by clicking here. 

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