As the Eating Disorder Awareness Week approaches, we’re going to see a lot more articles in the media like the story of a Canadian man who is campaigning to raise awareness of EDs as well as reverse the stigma associated with them. The article was posted on one of Canada’s most respected leading news websites, the CBC News, and states,
Events will be held in high schools and shopping malls across Newfoundland and Labrador the week of Feb. 1 to raise awareness of eating disorders.
“Having gone through this personally, I would suggest to families that they be very aware to changes in personality of their adolescents,” said Vince Withers, who chairs the Newfoundland and Labrador Eating Disorder Foundation. “People with and eating disorder will have noticeable changes in terms of mood, self esteem, school, in terms of having their friends around them.”
Withers founded the Eating Disorders Foundation after the death of his daughter Renata in 2006.
He hopes events this week will reverse the stigma attached to potentially fatal eating disorders.
I read that the Eating Disorder Awareness Week is actually from February 21 to 27 this year, although the other campaign in eastern Canada that’s happening now will add to the positive attention focused on these life threatening conditions. I support any and all campaigns to raise awareness and stop the suffering that eating disorders can cause! It is my sincere wish that all people who are living with eating disorders today will be able to recover completely or develop a healthier balance with their ED so that they no longer suffer from the pain, depression, anxiety, isolation, shame, judgements, misunderstandings, stigma and stereotypes that often go hand in hand with them.
Tags: Anorexia Nervosa, awareness campaign, bulimia, eating disorder awareness, Eating Disorders, ED-NOS
anonymous ana's blog 
February 3, 2010 at 12:27 am |
yes, i agree. i never knew that such a week existed but i’m glad that one does! if i’m feeling brave, maybe i’ll even try getting something going in our school, as i’ve noticed at least a few fellow sufferers.
February 3, 2010 at 9:33 am |
I hope you do! These campaigns can really help people get the help they need, and if there’s someone with an ed who isn’t ready for treatment and recovery just yet–you could be helping her or him to know they aren’t alone in this 😉 I wish you the best success, and I hope you’ll share your stories in your blog! Perhaps you could do something fun that also includes the ED awareness message, but without making anyone feel judged or awkward attending the event. You could do something like a dance but have the tickets be information brochures about how to recognize eating disorders and where to get help in your area. That way no one has to say, “I want to seek treatment” or “I know this girl I want to help if I can.” They just receive the information and go on to enjoy a good time with their friends, and they can think about the information in private later. Posters advertising the dance could be hung around the school and add extra ED awareness messages.