Breaking Down Eating Disorders Myths - Eating Disorders Awareness Week

Posted by Suzanne Dietrich on Thursday, February 7, 2019

It's Eating Disorders Awareness Week in Canada.

Over 1 million Canadians suffer from eating disorders in Canada, which is similar to the whole population of Saskatchewan (as quoted by the National Eating Disorders Awareness Centre, NEDIC). This is a serious problem.

Check out my article here I wrote in Waterloo Region's local newspaper The Community Edition entitled 'Breaking Down Eating Disorder Myths.'

We are in drastic need of more funding for these serious illnesses.

There are not enough resources in our community, province or country for this. Individuals, families and our communities are suffering from the devastating outcomes of eating disorders.

Over the past year, I have been given the opportunity to work more intensively with people who are living with eating disorders..some of them have been so ill while they await specialized eating disorder inpatient treatment. It is heartbreaking. They should not have to wait this long. These individuals are some of the kindest most generous people I have met. They have not chosen their illness.

There are limited supports for their loved ones too. But in Waterloo Region the Canadian Mental Health Association offers an amazing group for family & friends. Check it out here.

We need more accurate education in schools for our kids around health and nutrition. 

Children need to learn about eating disorders and disordered eating in school. They need to understand that there are many ways to be healthy and that health can exist at any size. NEDIC offers free body image curriculum resources for gr.4-8 on their website. I also do talks on disordered eating, healthy bodies and eating disorders in Waterloo Region and Guelph. If you are a teacher and would like some guidance on this please reach out.

We need more education for health care professionals and those in the health and wellness industry.
 

⚠️ If you are selling any type of health or wellness messaging ensure you understand how to screen for an eating disorder and know how to get your client support. I have seen countless clients who were recommended diets and meal plans that only furthered their disordered eating symptoms. This is your professional obligation! Let me know if you need help with this. I was given very little education during my four-year degree and learned a lot through continuing education and mentoring.

If you or an individual you love needs help around eating then contact me here. Eating disorders can be fully treatable with medical, nutritional and psychological support.

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