National Eating Disorder Awareness Week (FEBRUARY 21 to 27, 2016)
There is a commonly held view that eating disorders are a lifestyle choice. Eating disorders are actually serious and often fatal illnesses that cause severe disturbances to a person’s eating behaviors.
Eating disorders — such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder – include extreme emotions, attitudes, and behaviors surrounding weight and food issues.
Eating disorders are real, treatable medical illnesses. They frequently coexist with other illnesses such as depression, substance abuse, or anxiety disorders. Other symptoms can become life-threatening if a person does not receive treatment, which is reflected by anorexia being associated with the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder.
The goal of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (#NEDAwareness) is to put the spotlight on eating disorders and improve public understanding of their causes, dangers and treatments. Millions of people across the country suffer from eating disorders, but by increasing awareness and access to resources, we can encourage early detection and intervention. Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental disorder, so early intervention can mean saving lives.
This year, the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) is focusing on the importance of early intervention. We’re encouraging the public to take just 3 minutes to complete the confidential online eating disorders screening. Taking 3 minutes to complete the screening will help determine if it is time to seek professional help.
More Information:
- Types of Eathing Disordes: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/eating-disorders-new-trifold/index.shtml
- National Eating Disorder Awareness: http://nedawareness.org/
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