Supporting Recovery During National Eating Disorders Awareness Week

Living with an eating disorder can be a daily struggle, affecting not only the individual with the diagnosis but also the people in their lives. These disorders can cause mental and physical symptoms that may be overwhelming and negatively impact daily functioning. Despite the prevalence of eating disorders, they can be misunderstood, and some people with an eating disorder may face judgment. 

National Eating Disorders Awareness Week encourages individuals to share information, personal experiences, and support to spread awareness. The goal of this week is to support people who are living with an eating disorder and encourage them to seek support. During the week, various activities and events teach people about the warning signs and effects of eating disorders. If you think you or a loved one are living with an eating disorder, it can be vital to learn more about the importance of seeking help early and the treatments available. 

Types of eating disorders

Statistics show that around 9% of the population in the United States has experienced an eating disorder, proving the importance of speaking up about this topic. As millions of people are living with these complex mental health conditions, conversations around food and body image can be crucial. 

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), categorizes several types of eating disorders, each with distinct symptoms, causes, and risk factors. Below are further explanations of these conditions and their symptoms. 

Anorexia nervosa 

Anorexia nervosa involves severely restricting food intake, resulting in significantly low body weight. Those with anorexia often have an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image. Not everyone with anorexia may have a low weight, as restrictive eating can sometimes result in weight gain. People with anorexia may also exercise or purge to remove calories. 

Bulimia nervosa 

Bulimia nervosa is a mental illness characterized by recurring episodes of binge eating, followed by unhealthy behaviors like self-induced vomiting to prevent weight gain. Individuals with bulimia nervosa may also use other methods to avoid weight gain, such as excessive exercise or abuse of laxatives. The difference between anorexia and bulimia is the binge eating episodes, as people with anorexia do not experience these symptoms. 

Binge-eating disorder 

Binge eating disorder involves regular episodes of excessive food consumption without compensatory behaviors. Those who live with binge-eating disorder often experience distress, shame, or guilt after their binges. They may hide binge episodes from others, choosing to eat significant quantities of food when they are alone. 

Other specified feeding or eating disorders (OSFED)

Other specified feeding or eating disorders don't meet the full criteria for anorexia, bulimia, or binge-eating disorder but can cause significant distress and impairment.

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID)

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder involves a lack of interest in eating or avoiding certain foods based on sensory characteristics without being driven by concerns about body weight or shape. This disorder is common in people living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). 

Risk factors for these disorders can vary but may include genetic, psychological, social, and cultural influences. Symptoms may involve stress or worry surrounding food, body weight, shape, and changes in eating habits and patterns. Recognizing these signs may improve the chances of early intervention, supporting a faster recovery.

Seeking treatment for eating disorders

When individuals decide to seek help for an eating disorder, they often start by visiting a healthcare provider who can assess their symptoms and recommend treatment options. Left untreated, eating disorders may lead to severe health complications, including self-harm, electrolyte imbalances, and gastrointestinal problems. A team of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nutritionists, and therapists, may be critical to a successful treatment plan. 

Below are some of the support services and treatment options that may be available for people living with eating disorders:

• Medical Evaluation: Healthcare providers can check the physical health of an individual, recommending eating plans and reducing the risk of severe complications.
• Nutritional Counseling: A registered dietitian may be involved to help with meal planning and ensuring one is eating foods that are healthy for their body. 
• Therapy: Mental health professionals can offer counseling to identify and manage the psychological aspects of the eating disorder.
• Treatment Centers: Some people may benefit from visiting a treatment center where they can stay for a few weeks or months to work through eating disorder symptoms. These facilities often offer a team of medical doctors, therapists, nutritionists, and advocates to support the client. 

According to organizations like the National Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders (NCEED), support groups may also help connect affected individuals to others who can share experiences and offer mutual support. For those struggling with an eating disorder, recovery is a process that involves regaining physical health and building a healthier relationship with food and body image.

Steps toward recovery

The steps in one’s recovery plan may depend on the severity of the condition. These steps may include:

• Initial consultation: A person may start by seeking an evaluation from a healthcare professional experienced with eating disorders.
• Personalized care plan: Clients can work with various healthcare experts to develop a targeted treatment strategy.
• Participate in therapy: Therapy sessions may resolve underlying problems and help clients develop coping skills.
• Lean on support systems: Friends, family, and support groups may be counted on for additional support.

Full recovery from eating disorders can be a gradual journey, and while it may be challenging, individuals can regain control and move toward improved health.

How to support loved ones with eating disorders and increase awareness

When supporting a loved one with an eating disorder, it may be helpful to recognize how complex mental health is. Approach them with empathy, ensuring they feel acknowledged and heard without judgment. You might take some time to learn about eating disorders and their signs or symptoms. Family members and social workers can be critical for providing unwavering support and encouragement. 

Be sensitive when starting a conversation about eating disorders. Use "I" statements to express concern without placing blame. For example, you might say, "I've noticed you skipping meals, and I'm concerned about your health." This approach can avoid cornering them, which can be counterproductive. 

Having an environment that promotes open communication may also be helpful. Consider involving social workers or therapists who specialize in eating disorders in meetings, as they can provide professional guidance throughout the recovery process. 

Be patient and respect boundaries. Get the individual's consent before sharing their health information with others. They may want to trust that their struggles will be treated with the most respect and discretion. Through consistent and non-invasive support, loved ones can assist an individual's journey toward recovery.

Raising awareness and reducing stigma

National Eating Disorders Awareness Week increases awareness of how common eating disorders are, which may reduce the stigma associated with these serious conditions. By raising awareness, individuals can dispel myths and educate the public about the realities of eating disorders.

Below are critical aspects of this awareness week:

• Improving understanding: Through educational campaigns and sharing personal experiences, you may encourage more conversations about the struggles faced by those affected.
• Community involvement: Communities can rally together, participating in events to spread knowledge and support individuals living with these disorders.
• Encouraging compassion: Hearing stories from those with lived experiences may promote empathy, which could help communities build more support for the cause.

Individuals can contribute to National Eating Disorders Awareness Week by attending or hosting workshops, participating in social media campaigns, and participating in community outreach programs. During this week, you can connect with others, share experiences, and listen to stories about those living with or who know someone living with an eating disorder. Those affected can have a platform for these stories, which might create a more inclusive and informed community.

National Eating Disorders Awareness Week calls for society to challenge misconceptions and guide the narrative away from blame and shame to empathy and support. These collective efforts can drive change and potentially make a lasting impact on the lives of those affected by eating disorders.

Support options 

With the growing accessibility of the internet, online therapy has become a valuable option for people coping with eating disorders. Research indicates that treatment delivered through digital platforms can be effective, often to the same level as face-to-face options. Online platforms allow clients to connect via phone, video, or live chat, which may be a flexible and convenient alternative to traditional face-to-face sessions.

Online therapy through platforms like BetterHelp offers various benefits, including the convenience of scheduling sessions around personal commitments and the ease of access from any location with internet connectivity. In addition, the digital nature of the therapy may reduce intimidation or worries about the stigma that might be linked to in-person sessions. 

Studies show that online therapy may help individuals manage symptoms of eating disorders. After participating in online therapy programs, clients reported improved behavior and attitudes toward food. These programs, often led by licensed therapists, provide structured treatment plans and other resources for education that may help support recovery.

Takeaway

Eating Disorders Awareness Week is a campaign that aims to support those with an eating disorder and teach others about the condition. It occurs the last week of February through the first week of March. Activities and resources from this week can help loved ones recognize the early signs and address eating disorders appropriately, which may lead to timely support for someone who might be struggling.

Through shared stories and educational events, the week amplifies the message that recovery is accessible and helps build community support in the process. Even after the week is over, the materials and insights shared can continue to support those affected by eating disorders.