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Eating Disorders Awareness Week – February 1st– 8th

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Despite stereotypes and myths, eating disorders do not have a “look”. Eating disorders affect people of all races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, ages, socioeconomic status, and abilities. Each year, organizations across Canada host Eating Disorders Awareness Week (EDAW) from February 1st to 8th. Join us in a national week of action focused on educating the public about Eating Disorders. “It is a time to escalate awareness of the impact of eating disorders, the dangerous stereotypes and myths, and the supports available for people living with or affected by them” (NEDIC, 2023).

There is no single cause of Eating Disorders.  Eating disorders are complex and multi-faceted, their development can be influenced by an individual’s personality, genetic make-up and biochemical factors in combination with their lived experience, socio-cultural, and familial context.  Awareness and education on Eating Disorders in key to prevention, early intervention and in helping those living with an Eating Disorder to connect with the support and treatment they need to recover.  Accessing effective and timely treatment is essential for people with eating disorders given they have the highest overall mortality rate of any mental illness, with estimates between 10-15%.

Prior to the pandemic, the prevalence of people living with eating disorders in Canada ranged from 2.2% to 4.6% (Galmiche et al. 2019). Referrals for Eating Disorders programs at the Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington have tripled since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, which includes an increase in referrals for very young children.  This had led to an increase in wait times for service, at a time when these supports are greatly needed in our community.

While eating disorders disproportionately affect people who identify as women and girls, approximately 1 in 4 people with anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, and 1 in 3 living with binge eating disorder identify as boys and men. Further, people from 2SLGBTQIA+ communities are more likely to struggle with an eating disorder.  Counter to stereotypes, people who are racialized are as likely to experience eating disorders and may face additional barriers to treatment.

“Eating disorders thrive in secrecy and are obscured by dangerous stereotypes. Eating Disorders Awareness Week (EDAW) is a way of breaking the silence that can lead to connecting people with the care they need and deserve” – Carla Giddings OT Reg. (Ont.), Mental Health Clinician, CMHAWW Eating Disorders Program.

The Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington is part of a provincial network for eating disorders, offering coordinated and evidence-based services. CMHA WW eating disorders program offers comprehensive assessment, and team-based care with a nurse practitioner, dietician, and therapist. Treatment approaches include Family-Based Therapy approach for our Child and Adolescent population, and a group-based treatment approach for adults. A volunteer-led family and friends’ group is also available for education and support. To learn more, visit: Services for Eating Disorders – CMHA Waterloo Wellington (cmhaww.ca)

EDAW is a collective effort, from coast-to-coast-to-coast. Organizations across the country will host local events, light up notable landmarks in the colour purple (keep an eye out for locations near you!) and engage in public education.

Waterloo Wellington Eating Disorders Coalition: Faces of Recovery is hosting a free panel discussion featuring individuals on the road to recovery from an eating disorder.

Date: Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023 from 7:00 – 8:30 pm

Location: Virtual – Register for free here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/faces-of-recovery-2023-tickets-510972862587?aff=erelexpmlt

CMHA Waterloo Wellington is here to help. CMHA WW offers a number of programs and services as well as crisis support through Here 24/7, 1-844-437-3247.

Learn about how you can support the Eating Disorders program through donating to CMHA WW: Donate – CMHA Waterloo Wellington (cmhaww.ca)

The Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington (CMHA WW) is a non-profit organization that provides a full care system for those with addictions, mental health or developmental needs. CMHA WW serves everyone from children to adults to seniors and helps individuals and families to lead lives filled with meaning and promise.  

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