Each year, the final week of February is designated Eating Disorders Awareness Week (EDAW). In 2023, EDAW begins on Monday, February 27, and ends on Sunday, March 5.
Eating disorders are the second most fatal class of mental health disorders, after opioid use disorder.
People of all genders and sexes experience eating disorders, and they can be more dangerous for men because many assume men don’t experience eating disorders.
Athletes and trans people are at especially high risk of eating disorders, and athletes with eating disorders are at increased risk of injury.
Eating disorders are not a choice, and are caused by an array of social, biological, environmental, and genetic factors.
Signs of an eating disorder can include preoccupation with food, calories, or dieting, extreme body image concerns, or lack of focus or sleep. Eating disorders can look different in everyone, but early detection can help with healthy recovery. You can access the resources below if you or someone you know may be struggling with an eating disorder.
Resources: National Eating Disorders Association: nationaleatingdisorders.org
Call or text the NEDA helpline: +1 (800) 931-2237
National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD): anad.org
Call the ANAD helpline: +1 (888)-375-7767
Eating Recovery Center: eatingrecoverycenter.com
Tags: Counseling Services
