SAN DIEGO — The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) launched its 29th annual National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (NEDAwareness Week), Feb. 21-27. NEDAwareness Week is an annual campaign to bring public attention to the critical needs of people with eating disorders and their families and the focus of this year’s campaign is on early detection and intervention.
Once again, thousands of people will come together in their communities, including San Diego, to bring national attention to the severity of eating disorders, encourage everyone to take the online screening and, if needed, provide information on how to get help. Last year, NEDAwareness Week reached tens of millions of people through traditional and social media, with calls to the NEDA Helpline nearly doubling during the campaign and thousands being screened online and at regional events.
Themed 3 Minutes Can Save a Life: Get Screened. Get Help. Get Healthy. in 2016, NEDA has partnered with Screening for Mental Health, Inc., to develop an anonymous, free, online screening – which takes as little as just three minutes to complete – from which participants can learn if it’s time to seek professional help.
Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental disorder and 30 million Americans will suffer from an eating disorder at some point in their life. While there is hope and recovery is possible, early intervention is key and many people (including doctors) just don’t recognize the signs. The earlier a person with an eating disorder seeks treatment, the greater the likelihood of physical and emotional recovery. In other words, early intervention literally saves lives.
Commented Claire Mysko, interim CEO of NEDA, “Eating disorders can hide in plain sight and frequently go undiagnosed until someone’s health is at significant risk. These are life-threatening, bio-psycho-social illnesses, not a ‘lifestyle choice.’ It’s time to get beyond the stigma and stereotypes and recognize the diverse experiences of people affected by disordered eating. Early intervention is a critical first step toward ending this epidemic and everyone who is struggling deserves to be able to access help without delay to provide them the best chance possible of full recovery.
Concerned for Yourself, a Friend or Family Member? Free & Anonymous Online Screenings for Eating Disorders at: www.MyBodyScreening.org
This anonymous, free, online screening consists of a series of questions developed by treatment professionals in the eating disorders field, which are designed to indicate whether clinical help is needed. The availability of such a low-pressure, first step towards recovery is a vital tool. After completing a screening, participants (if indicated) receive referral information for local agencies for personal evaluation by a medical professional and treatment. There are two screenings available, one for college students – a particularly vulnerable demographic for the development of eating disorders – and a standard screening for other adult populations.
Nine Truths About Eating Disorders:
- Many people with eating disorders look healthy, yet may be extremely ill.
- Families are not to blame and can be the patients’ and providers’ best allies in treatment.
- An eating disorder diagnosis is a health crisis that disrupts personal and family functioning.
- Eating disorders are not choices, but serious biologically influenced illnesses.
- Eating disorders affect people of all genders, ages, races, ethnicities, body shapes and weights, sexual orientations and socio-economic statuses.
- Eating disorders carry an increased risk for both suicide and medical complications.
- Genes and environment play important roles in the development of eating disorders.
- Genes alone do not predict who will develop eating disorders.
- Full recovery from an eating disorder is possible. Early detection and intervention are important.
What’s Happening in the San Diego Area …
5th annual San Diego NEDA Walk, themed NEDA Walk. Save a Life. (Open to the community) Saturday, Feb. 27, 10 a.m. – noon (Registration/check-in begins at 9 a.m.) NTC at Liberty Station, 2455 Cushing Road
NEDA and its national walk sponsor, Aerie, invites friends and family to help spread awareness of the seriousness of eating disorders so more people will receive the help they or their loved ones so desperately need. The goal of this event is to help educate the public about these life-threatening illnesses, to provide support for the community and to help fund NEDA’s many important programs. For more information, contact Heidi Rodenberger at heidianddouglas@gmail.com or (401)207-3497.
To pre-register, visit www.nedawalks.org/sandiego2016 or call 212-575-6200. $25 per adult, $15 per student, $10 per child 5-12, $5 per pet, kids under 5 walk free.
What’s Happening Around the Country During NEDAwareness Week
Individuals can participate in NEDAwareness Week by attending events, conducting outreach in their communities or by joining in NEDA’s planned social media campaign, #NEDAwareness.
NEDA’s Proud2Bme on Campus initiative, developed in partnership with The Recovery Village, extends the messages of NEDAwareness Week to college audiences, a high-risk population. A Proud2Bme on Campus guide features projects created by students at New York University and California State University, Northridge, and are available on the www.Proud2Bme.org website along with videos, a student-led Google Hangout and a webinar for campus advocates.
What’s Happening Virtually Everywhere …
During NEDAwareness Week, NEDA will host free webinars, Twitter chats and more, which will address a variety of issues surrounding eating disorders. To view all events, visit www.nedawareness.org/events and follow #NEDAwareness on social media.
The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), headquartered in New York City, is the leading U.S. non-profit organization supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders. NEDA serves as a catalyst for prevention, cures and access to quality care. Each year, NEDA helps millions of people across the country find information and appropriate treatment resources through its toll-free, live helpline, its many outreach programs and website. NEDA advocates for advancements in the field and envisions a world without eating disorders.
For treatment referrals, visit www.MyNEDA.org or contact NEDA’s Live Helpline: 800-931-2237 Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. (EST) Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (EST).
