NEDAwareness: See the Change, Be the Change

Posted on: March 4, 2022 Posted by: Madison Zeng Comments: 0

GRL MAG is a space for young women and gender-expansive humans to share what they think about various topics and since last week was National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, we would like to shine some light on body acceptance and mental health!

FEBRUARY 21-27, 2022 MARKED NEDAWARENESS WEEK, an annual campaign to educate the public about the realities of eating disorders. NEDA Week strives to provide hope, support, and visibility to individuals and families affected by eating disorders. Although NEDA Week 2022 has subsided, we should continue advocating for wellbeing and awareness beyond the occasion! Anyone can participate with the aim of increasing awareness of, improving diagnosis and treatment for, as well as learning how to be the best support to those who have or are at risk of developing eating disorders.

An eating disorder is a psychological disorder that presents itself through an abnormal fixation on food, intake, weight, and body image. A person’s preoccupation with appearance and food disrupts daily life, participation, and is detrimental to the overall health and wellbeing of the affected person.

Did you know?

28.8 million Americans experience an eating disorder at some point of their lives!
Every 52 minutes, someone dies as the direct result of an eating disorder. Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder are identified as the deadliest mental health disorders.
Eating disorders are the third most common chronic illness among adolescent females in the United States.
10 million men in the United States will suffer from an eating disorder in their lifetime.
Globally, eating disorder prevalence increased from 3.4% to 7.8% between 2000 and 2018.
70 million people internationally live and struggle with eating disorders.
There is a higher prevalence of eating disorders in Asian countries. Japan has the highest rate of EDs followed by Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, and South Korea.

Information supplied by: https://www.singlecare.com/blog/news/eating-disorder-statistics/

According to the Office on Women’s Health, individuals of all ages, race/ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, body shapes, weights, socioeconomic statuses, and levels of physical activity can develop an eating disorder.

Eating disorders affect individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Let’s create some awareness about marginalized groups

Black women have similar or higher rates of Binge Eating behaviors in comparison to White women. In research, Black individuals have also been underrepresented in clinical trials.
For individuals who identify with LGBTQ+, many who experience bullying, teasing, and other forms of prejudice may benefit from help from health care providers.
It is not a rare occasion where sexual minority women report higher BMI, insecurity and dissatisfaction with personal body and appearance, and eating pathology.
Athletes are at a higher risk of developing eating disorders in comparison to non-athletes. Athletics are an amazing way to build self-esteem, and presents as an opportunity to build team work skills. Athletics promote physical conditioning which although great, can build pressure and contribute to severe psychological and physical stress. The pressure to achieve and the direct emphasis on body weight and shape can serve as a negative combination. This increases the risk of developing disordered eating.

Eating disorders are most prominent in teen years or young adulthood but do not discriminate. Anyone can be affected by an eating disorder and no one should feel invalidated for their struggles. Cases have reportedly increased among children, older adults, and military service members. Research demonstrates that eating disorders have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. The NEDA Helpline has experienced a 107% increase in contacts since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, eating-disorder related hospital admissions among adolescents and young adults have increased drastically. Increased isolation has contributed to higher levels of stress and anxiety. These are two of many risk factors for developing eating disorders. Eating disorders may begin due to many reasons such as but not limited to, depression, stressful triggers, or trauma.

Disruption in daily routine may stimulate unhealthy eating patterns. With the additional exposures we notice on social media, many feel unsatisfied with their appearance and think making changes to their body would boost self-esteem.

Social media platforms can both negatively and positively affect our social-emotional wellness. It may begin with the specific content one is viewing across platforms because what we learn and surround ourselves with can be applied and articulated to our personal lives thus, influencing our actions and emotions. I think, on one hand, social media offers us a space to share which can understandably be more difficult to express in the moment of personalized socialization. May appreciate how our documentation on the internet offers a snippet to our thoughts and depiction of our experiences however accurate it may be. It helps to communicate through social media and better connects me with others. Controversially, social media can glamorize lifestyles that serve as a barrier to personal development. Although social media platforms are helpful in advocating for important issues and staying up to date with current events, it is important to be mindful of what YOU are being exposed to because in general, so many teenagers experience body insecurity throughout adolescence and a glamorized social media only perpetuates negative thoughts and perception. Social media comparisons can be viewed as a stimulus for a larger body image problem.

Harvard STRIPED works hard as a transdisciplinary team of dedicated members committed to the prevention of eating disorders and dangerous weight- and shape-control behaviors. We focus on public policy and in doing so, hope to inform you that “eating disorders and disordered weight control behaviors present a significant threat to the health of adolescents and adults, yet they remain largely overlooked by public health and preventive medicine professionals.” Having a support network, boundaries and self-accountability and awareness are important in staying safe and healthy mentally and holistically. You’re beautiful just the way you are!

No one needs to struggle alone…

On social media, the images are never-ending. We notice celebrities and public figures posting “picture-perfect” bodies. Social media is a highlight reel and people strive to fit beauty standards, don’t be fooled though because much of what we see from influencers are unrealistic depictions of appearance. Celebs like Kim Kardashian and Beyoncé exemplify appearances that may make today’s young people feel insecure about their own bodies and undermine their self-esteem.

If you feel this way, know that you are not alone with your thoughts! Some may be misunderstood for thinking that celebrities are protected from struggles experienced by the general public. Celebrities are under tremendous amounts of pressure often surrounding a fixation on their appearance. This may involve extreme dieting plans which lead to eating disorders.

In her 2020 documentary “Miss Americana”, Taylor Swift opened up about her struggles with an eating disorder:

“I’m not as articulate as I should be about this topic because there are so many people who could talk about it in a better way. But all I know is my own experience. And my relationship with food was exactly the same psychology that I applied to everything else in my life: If I was given a pat on the head, I registered that as good. If I was given a punishment, I registered that as bad.”

Demi Lovato has always been a strong advocate for #NEDAwareness and has been vocal about her struggles with mental health. The singer, song-writer has struggled with bulimia for years. She continues to work hard to stay on track with recovery!

Zayn Malik went through a period of health decline while performing with One Direction. He has since worked on his eating disorder and reflects on the seriousness of the illness and the toll it took on his mind and body.

Other public figures who have echoed similar struggles with food include Lady Gaga, Elton John, Kesha, Princess Diana, etc.

Robbie’s Hope educated the public about National Eating Disorder Awareness Week and shared important insight on the connection between eating disorders and other mental illnesses.

The foundation is committed to supporting teens around the country to remove the stigma around anxiety and depression and ultimately cut the rate of teen suicide in half by 2028. Robbie’s Hope educates that there is a common link between eating disorders and mental health concerns. Individuals who suffer from comorbid conditions may experience an increase in symptoms and worsening wellbeing. It is important to recover from these symptoms and most providers would preach early intervention. Individuals should receive holistic, well-rounded treatment to address all mental health concerns.

How can you help?

If someone is reaching out to you for support, acknowledge that it took a tremendous amount of courage to speak about personal struggle. Please show them your unconditional love and care, remind them that what they’re expressing is valid and that they deserve to be happy, healthy, and safe!

Some things to keep in mind

How NEDA can help?

Contact the NEDA Helpline

Online Chat: myneda.org/helpline
Call or Text: (800) 931-2237
Crisis Text Line: Text “NEDA” to 741741

NEDA was able to host many events this year both at in-person locations and virtual. Check out how people participated! Feeling inspired to help us advocate for a healthy cause?

NEDA has many upcoming events and campaigns open to the public with great anticipation! Here’s to list a few:

– Register for NEDA Walks occuring in Spring and/or Fall 2022! Find a location near you

– Join the annual social media campaign encouraging the rejection of diet culture. Read more about #NoDietDay occuring on May 6, 2022

– June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month! #NEDAPride is another social media campaign that promotes visibility and body diversity for all!

– Other events happening in the Fall of 2022 include: NEDACon, NEDA Annual Gala, Body Acceptance Week, and Giving Tuesday. Dates will be confirmed in the future but feel free to read more on the NEDA website!

Be sure to mark your calendar! 🙂

Other resources to help yourself and others

The Eating Disorders Resource Center is located in Silicon Valley. EDRC is a non-profit organization that focuses on raising awareness through resources, information and support for eating disorders. EDRC offers a comprehensive, online resource directory. We are here to respond to calls and emails from patients, family members, clinics and health care professionals requesting support and information, treatment options, and help with navigating the health care and insurance systems. We offer an education and outreach program on the early detection and intervention of eating disorders. EDRC facilitates monthly support groups for sufferers and their families and friends.

The mission of Eating Disorders Resource Center (EDRC) is to increase awareness and understanding of eating disorders for the general public and for health professionals; to promote early diagnosis, effective treatment, and recovery; and to advocate for mental health parity legislation and effective insurance coverage.

You can learn more here: https://linktr.ee/EDRC

We highly encourage you to reach out! You can find any of their FREE support groups below:

Body Image and ED Support Group

EDRC Family and Loved Ones Support Group