Eating Disorder Awareness Week: Let's Talk About It

This week is Eating Disorder Awareness Week, running from Monday 24 February to Sunday 2 March 2025. It's a time to shed light on eating disorders, understand them better, and support those affected. 

What are eating disorders?

Eating disorders are mental health conditions where individuals use unhealthy eating habits to cope with difficult feelings and situations. This might involve eating too much, too little, or becoming overly concerned with weight or body shape. These behaviours can seriously impact one's health and wellbeing. Eating disorders can affect anybody.

Why does this week exist?

Eating Disorder Awareness Week aims to increase understanding, reduce stigma, and promote early intervention. By talking openly about these issues, we can encourage those struggling to seek help and support them on their journey to recovery.

Types of eating disorders and their symptoms

1. Anorexia: Individuals try to keep their weight as low as possible by not eating enough, over-exercising, or both. They often have a distorted body image, seeing themselves as overweight even when they're underweight.

2. Bulimia: This involves periods of binge eating followed by purging behaviours like making oneself sick or using laxatives to prevent weight gain.

3. Binge Eating Disorder: This is where sufferers eat large quantities of food in a short time and feel unable to stop, often leading to feelings of guilt and distress.

4. Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID): Characterised by avoiding certain foods or limiting the amount eaten, leading to nutritional deficiencies and weight loss.

Signs and symptoms of eating disorders

Here is a list of typical signs of disordered eating. It's important to note that you can't always 'see' the signs in the person's appearance. Generally changes in mood and behaviour are apparent sooner. 

How can eating disorders be tackled?

Recovery is possible with the right support, and early intervention is crucial. If you notice signs in yourself or someone else, seeking help promptly can make a significant difference. 

Approaches include:

• Talking therapies: Engaging with therapists to address underlying emotional issues and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
• Family support: Involving family members in your recovery to create a supportive environment
• Medical monitoring: There may be a requirement for regular health check-ups to manage physical health aspects of the disorder. As this does not tackle the underlying cause, medical assistance for physical symptoms is only part of the treatment. 

How and whom to ask for help

If you're struggling or know someone who is, reaching out is the first step. Here's how:

• Talk to someone you trust: Share your feelings with a friend or a family member.
• Visit your GP: They can provide guidance, support, and referrals to specialists if needed. If you visit your GP and are finding it hard to get a referral or are put on a waiting list, this doesn't mean you don’t deserve help – you do. There will be other sources of help available.
• Contact support organisations: Charities like Beat offer helplines, online support, and resources for those affected by eating disorders. 

Remember, you're not alone. Help is available, and recovery is within reach.

Let's use this week to start conversations, offer support, and spread awareness. Together, we can make a difference.