National Eating Disorder Awareness Week is an annual event with two primary goals. First, it aims to raise public awareness of the personal and nationwide impact of eating disorders. Additionally, the week also focuses on the need for affected people to seek help. Since eating disorders occur more frequently in women, women’s eating disorder treatment is a must.
Here are some ways to support women during this important week and at other times of the year.
Educate Yourself
Eating disorders come in a variety of forms. The three most well-known and well-defined of these illnesses are:
- Bulimia nervosa
- Anorexia nervosa
- Binge eating disorder
Each eating disorder has its own symptoms. Each also has its potential causes and treatments. If you know a woman affected by one of these conditions, it’s helpful to learn more about that illness. You can also support women more generally by learning more about eating disorders as an illness category.
Support Those Who Need Treatment
During NEDA Week and at other times, you can take steps to support a woman affected by an eating disorder. If your friend or loved one has not sought treatment, you might want to talk to them about your concerns. Experts recommend doing certain things to help such a conversation go as well as possible. In addition to educating yourself first, these things include:
- Planning what you want to say in advance
- Picking the right time and setting for such a personal discussion
- Making honest, factual statements about your concerns
- Steering clear of statements that oversimplify the situation
- Combining compassion with a firmness of purpose
- Encouraging your friend or loved one to seek professional care
- Preparing yourself for harsh, hostile, or indifferent reactions
In addition, remind yourself that even your best efforts may not lead your loved one to seek help.
Support Those Who Have Completed Treatment
Treatment provides crucial help for anyone affected by an eating disorder. However, as a rule, the need for aid does not end when treatment ends. Instead, affected women and men typically need continuing support to keep their recoveries going.
Some of this support comes from doctors or eating disorder specialists. However, a strong personal support network is also essential. If you know someone in recovery following treatment, NEDA Week is an excellent time to check in with them. This same kind of compassionate check-in is also important for the other 51 weeks each year.
Take an Active Role in NEDA Week
In large part, NEDA Week relies on the support and participation of people like you. Every year, the week has a specific theme or organizing principle. Discover the theme this year and do what you can to support it. This may mean no more than attending scheduled events. However, it can also mean hosting an event or advertising one through social media or other outlets. The National Eating Disorders Association can provide you with detailed information on how to get involved.
Seek Women’s Eating Disorder Treatment at Women’s Recovery
If your friend or loved one has an eating disorder, Women’s Recovery can help. We feature a women’s eating disorder treatment program that focuses on the link between these illnesses and addiction. This is critical since there is a large degree of overlap between addiction and anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder.
The treatment we provide helps you recover from the eating disorder affecting you. At the same time, it enables you to recover from severe drug or alcohol problems. This dual focus is often essential for a return to stability and wellness. Call us today at 833.754.0554 or fill out our online form for more information on our program.
