Author: Breanna Mills R.D.
Eating disorders affect everyone, regardless of your gender, sexual orientation, background, ability, race or age. Every year from February 1-7, Eating Disorder groups from across Canada join together for Eating Disorders Awareness Week. This national week of action is a time to escalate awareness of the impact of Eating Disorders, the dangerous stereotypes and myths that surround them, and the supports available for people living with or affected by them. This year, the theme is Breaking Barriers, Facilitating Futures. This year focuses on under-recognized barriers that those struggling may face when accessing help and support for their eating disorders. Educating the public and healthcare professionals about these barriers can help to support those affected and help facilitate future change that can help everyone.
The three main messages this year include: the connection between food insecurity and eating disorders, importance of gender-affirming care in treatment, and the importance of trauma-informed care.
How can you get involved?
Review EDAW Materials
Nedic has created educational materials around EDAW and the three main messages this year. Check them out!
Community Rooms
Nedic is hosting free, virtual, two-hour community rooms where people with living and lived experience with an eating disorder can share their experiences. These community rooms can make space for communities who lack affirming care when accessing help, connecting with others who may have similar experiences, and to talk about the barriers that can come up when accessing care.
Attend an Event in your Community
Nedic has events listed on their website that are happening in support of Eating Disorders Awareness Week.
Support from Westwind
Westwind is hosting two free virtual meal support sessions in support of EDAW. These sessions are open to anyone seeking additional support or wanting to get a feel for what our online programs are like. Each 45-minute group will include a journaling check-in followed by a handout and opportunity for discussion and optional sharing. Meal support sessions are happening on Thursday February 1, 2024 at 11am PST and Tuesday February 6, 2024 at 11am PST. Registration is open!