National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is Feb 21st – Feb 27th
National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (NEDA Week), occurring from February 21st to February 27th, is an annual initiative aimed at educating the public about eating disorders and providing support to individuals affected by them.
Understanding Eating Disorders:
Eating disorders encompass persistent disruptions in eating patterns and behaviors, affecting up to 5% of the population, typically emerging during adolescence or young adulthood. Rooted in chronic stress and intense emotions, eating disorders can have profound physical, emotional, and psychological repercussions if left untreated.
Common Types of Eating Disorders:
Anorexia nervosa
Bulimia nervosa
Binge eating disorder
Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder
Pica
Behavioral Patterns:
Individuals with eating disorders often exhibit various behaviors, including restrictive eating, food avoidance, binge eating, purging (e.g., vomiting), and laxative misuse. These behaviors can mirror the intensity and drive seen in substance addiction.
Treatment Approaches:
Eating disorders frequently co-occur with other mental health conditions like mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse. Genetic factors may also contribute to their development. Treatment typically involves a combination of psychological, behavioral, medical, and nutritional interventions. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), along with medical and nutritional counseling, can help individuals regain emotional and mental well-being and cultivate healthy eating habits.
Recognizing NEDA Week:
With an estimated 30 million Americans impacted by eating disorders during their lifetime, raising awareness is crucial. The NEDA campaign organizes nationwide walks as part of NEDA Week. To participate or find a walk near you, visit https://www.nedawalk.org/.
If you’re struggling with an eating disorder and looking for support, contact us to see how eating disorder therapy can help.
Sources:
https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/get-involved/nedaweek
https://adaa.org/eating-disorders/types-of-eating-disorders
https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/eating-disorders/what-are-eating-disorders