Home | NIED

Education.
Understanding.
Action.

NIED exists to give hope and support to individuals with an eating disorder and their caregivers.

Looking for immediate support?

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis

Please call
911, 988,
or
1-866-NEDIC-20

Our friends at the National Eating Disorders Information Centre (NEDIC) run a toll-free, anonymous helpline that you can access if you need somebody to talk to. You can phone in, email, or visit their website.

Visit NEDIC

If you are a caregiver of someone with an eating disorder

Initial
Point of Contact
Program

NIED’s Initial Point of Contact is a highly accessible and timely resource for caregivers of individuals with an eating disorder. Speak to someone by phone or text message within 24 hours.

Learn More

1/3

Latest Blog Posts

Advocating with Health Care Professionals as a Caregiver

Being a caregiver comes with lots of challenges, especially when working with multiple healthcare systems. It can be difficult to figure...

Breaking the Cycle: Understanding the Impact of “Almond Moms” on Eating Disorders

If you are on social media platforms, chances are you’ve likely encountered the term “Almond Moms”. This phrase is used to describe the...

The Role of Occupational Therapists in Supporting Individuals with Eating Disorders

Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder, are complex mental health conditions that...

Could you be the right fit for NIED's education committee?

We’re seeking enthusiastic, passionate individuals who are willing to roll up their sleeves and get involved. Whether you have a background in education, healthcare, lived experience with eating disorders, or simply a desire to help, we’d love to hear from you! Your input will make a difference.

Our committee is responsible for developing, delivering, and sharing a wide range of resources, including symposia, webinars, lunch-and-learns, tools, and other educational materials. These resources aim to have a direct and meaningful impact on those facing the challenges of eating disorders and their families.

We meet virtually once a month for an hour, usually in the early evening, to brainstorm, strategize, and implement these educational programs.

Please reach out to us at lynne@nied.ca to express your interest or for more information.

Help us change lives through education!

As the year nears its end, many of us are considering where to make our final donations of 2024. We know that this isn't always an easy decision, and we would love if you'd consider NIED as one of your recipients. 💌

When you partner with NIED as a monthly donor, you support programs that make a difference in the lives of those with eating disorders and their caregivers.

Some of our programs include an initial point of contact program for caregivers who don't know where to turn, support groups, and webinars to educate the public and professionals about eating disorders. We believe in a practical, hands-on approach that prioritizes education, understanding, and action.

Want to learn more about what we do? Visit us at NIED.ca!

It can be difficult to navigate the healthcare system as the caregiver of someone with an eating disorder. In this new blog post, Agnes Kopij shares how to be the best advocate you can be for your loved one in a complex system.⁣
⁣
“With the right tools, you can ensure your loved one is receiving the necessary care while also taking care of yourself throughout this journey.”⁣
⁣
Check out the new post at NIED.ca/blog!

"While the memes are all lighthearted, they overlook the profound effects that growing up surrounded by diet culture can have, especially on daughters. This is because they are internalizing these household norms combined with Western societal pressures that tend to equate thinness with beauty."

Read the new blog by Nichole Sanchez-Diaz at nied.ca/blog!

✨It’s the most wonderful time of the year: giving tuesday!⁣
⁣
Following black friday and cyber monday, giving tuesday is a chance to give back.⁣
⁣
Visit NIED.ca/donate to partner with us this giving tuesday! ⁣
⁣
-⁣
⁣
Why consider NIED for your giving this year?⁣
⁣
Your $10/month commitment has the power to make a significant impact in the lives of those struggling with eating disorders and their caregivers.⁣
⁣
NIED is committed to providing education surrounding eating disorders, as well as support for individuals and caregivers. We accomplish this through programs including educational webinars, our initial point of contact program, resources for caregivers. You can learn more about all of NIED’s programs at NIED.ca.⁣
⁣
Thank you from all of us at NIED for your support. 💓⁣

NIED cares, and we know that you care too.

The holidays can be a tough time for individuals facing eating disorders, as well as their caregivers. We are committed to continuing to provide education and support to those who need it.

Here’s where you come in!

There’s never been a better time to partner with us as a monthly supporter. The end of the year is the perfect time to evaluate our giving, and we are so thankful for every piece of support.

Would you consider joining us with a donation of $10/month?

Visit NIED.ca/donate to fill out a secure form through Canada Helps and receive an immediate tax receipt.

Thank you on behalf of all of us at NIED. We couldn’t do this without you. 💜

🗣️ We want to hear from you!

NIED's National Youth Council is conducting a survey on the effects of social media on disordered eating and eating disorders.

💻 To complete the survey, visit bit.ly/ismoi

Thank you from all of us at NIED!

Our next support group session for male caregivers is on November 26th from 6:30 - 8:00 pm EST! Swipe to learn about our guest speaker for this session, Dr. Noah Spector (PhD).

✉️ To register, please email lynne@nied.ca

✨ FREE WEBINAR ALERT!

Join us on Tuesday, November 12th at 6:30 pm EST for Eating Disorders 101. Learn the basics about eating disorders, including symptoms and treatment options. This is one you don't want to miss!

🔗 Register at bit.ly/nov12-2024

Women’s History Month is a time to honor the incredible legacy of women who have shaped our world with their strength, resilience, and vision. From breaking barriers to redefining possibilities, these women inspire us to keep pushing for equality and empowering one another every day. Here’s to the power of women, past and present. 💗

Invisible Disabilities Week is a time to recognize that not all struggles are seen. Eating disorders are among those silent battles, often hidden behind smiles or societal pressures.

At NIED, we stand with those affected by eating disorders, advocating for understanding, support, and care. Let’s work together to break the stigma and ensure that those with invisible disabilities receive the help they deserve.

#InvisibleDisabilitiesWeek

October is Occupational Therapy Month!

Did you know that occupational therapists (OTs) can play a critical role in eating disorder recovery? We are so thankful to OTs for everything they do.

Learn all about how OTs support recovery in our new blog post by Olivia Pillai Quinney at nied.ca/blog or the link in our "blogs" highlight.

"Occupational therapists bring a unique perspective to treatment, focusing on how eating disorders affect a person’s daily functioning and quality of life. Their role in supporting individuals with eating disorders is vital to fostering long-term recovery and promoting holistic well-being."

🙋‍♂️Our free virtual male caregiver support group begins tonight! Have you registered yet? ⁣
⁣
Email lynne@nied.ca to join us tonight at 6:30 pm Eastern Time!

October is ADHD awareness month, together let’s celebrate neurodiversity and talk about the intersection between ADHD and eating disorders.

Did you know that many individuals with ADHD also have eating disorders? Many people face the struggle of these two conditions and it is time to start the conversation today!

We have a new free virtual support group for male caregivers launching on October 15th. Could it be the right type of support for you or someone you know?

In this new blog post, Lynne Koss breaks down the specifics and benefits of this type of support. Check it out at nied.ca/blog or our "blogs" highlight!

"When it comes to caring for a loved one with an eating disorder, the journey can be incredibly challenging and isolating. At NIED, the National Initiative for Eating Disorders, we understand these unique struggles and are pleased to announce the launch of a dedicated Men's Caregiver Support Group. This initiative is designed specifically for male caregivers who often face distinct challenges in supporting their loved ones. Our goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you can share experiences, gain insights, and find the strength to continue your vital role. But why should you consider joining?"

🙋‍♂️Ready to learn more or join the support group? Check out the details on the second slide and email Lynne at lynne@nied.ca!

On #WorldMentalHealthDay, let’s shed light on the struggles of eating disorders. Recovery is a journey, and it starts with understanding and support. If you’re battling with this, know your experience is valid and you deserve to be heard. Today, let’s commit to having real conversations about mental health and standing together in the fight for better care and compassion. 💚 #WorldMentalHealthDay #EatingDisordersAwareness #RecoveryIsPossible #BreakTheSilence

"When sharing meals with peers, where external influences are inevitable, people with complex relationships with food must be intentional. This involves acknowledging personal boundaries, being comfortable engaging in dialogue with those you are dining with, and being aware of the situation. By doing so, individuals can navigate social meals more mindfully while prioritizing their recovery journey."

In this new blog post, Gabriella Pelletier explores tips for sharing meals while dealing with disordered eating and eating disorders. Check out this helpful new post at the link in our "blogs" highlight!

Don't forget, our webinar on navigating holidays with loved ones with EDs is TOMORROW! Register here: bit.ly/webinarNIED

🙋‍♂️We have a free virtual support group for men beginning October 15th!⁣
⁣
This is a safe and supportive space for male caregivers who are navigating the complexities of supporting loved ones with eating disorders.⁣
⁣
The group is facilitated by Kyle T. Ganson, PhD, MSW - Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto’s Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work.⁣
⁣
Interested in learning more or registering?⁣
⁣
✉️ Please email lynne@nied.ca

❤️‍🩹 “What if instead of labeling people as ‘resistant’, ‘non-compliant’, ‘hopeless’, or ‘terminal’, we disrupted binary ideas of recovery, tried something different, and lived within the messiness of different ways of healing? ⁣
⁣
What if we altered how we view eating disorders, health, and recovery?”⁣
⁣
Read the new blog post by Sarah Costantini at the link in our “blogs” highlight!

Only 4 days to go until our October 10th webinar!⁣
⁣
Join us for a discussion about navigating the holidays with a loved one with an eating disorder. ❤️‍🩹 ⁣
⁣
🔗 Register today at bit.ly/webinarNIED

Did you catch our webinar on reintegrating into school and sports?! 🎒⚽

If not, you can check out this (and other webinars) on our website via our Caregiver Webinar Hub: www.nied.ca/caregiver-webinar-hub

Don't miss this insightful conversation!

💕 "Navigating friendship with someone struggling with an eating disorder can be a very complex and delicate balance. Watching someone you love go through something so challenging and difficult to overcome can leave you feeling alone, helpless, and scared. As someone who has struggled with an eating disorder since my early teens and into my twenties, I have had a great deal of experience navigating friendships while in different stages of my illness and recovery. I have been incredibly lucky to have some amazing friends who have stayed by my side throughout my very non-linear journey. "

🔗 Read the new blog by Diviya Leonard at the link in our "blogs" highlight!

❣️"World Mental Health Day is coming up this month. This marks a great opportunity to think about how we can be there for our friends in meaningful ways. If you have a friend dealing with an eating disorder, it’s essential to support them thoughtfully."

Want to learn how to support your friends in effective and meaningful ways? Check out the new blog post by Agnes Kopij at the link in our "blogs" highlight!

Since 2013, September 30 has been observed as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, originally known as #OrangeShirtDay. At NIED, we understand that living on this land, home to many Indigenous peoples and nations, requires more than acknowledgment. True reconciliation demands both exchange and active contribution. We are committed to ongoing accountability within our team and the communities we serve. 🧡

Little research on how eating disorders affect Indigenous Peoples in Canada exist, which has fueled the misconception that eating disorders are a problem mostly faced by white communities. This highlights the urgent need for more studies to ensure ED programs are truly inclusive and effective.

There’s still a long road ahead, and it calls for ongoing growth, challenging harmful systems, and rethinking outdated approaches—not just in eating disorder care but across all aspects of healthcare. By working alongside allies, healthcare providers, educators, researchers, and community members, we can move towards fair access to healthcare that truly respects and addresses the needs of Indigenous Peoples.

🩵 Today we take a moment to express deep gratitude for all the amazing people who are on their ED recovery journey, and all of those who help support them and stick around through the highs and lows of recovery. We hope everyone has the chance to think about what they are grateful for today!

🎒Back to school season can be really challenging when you're facing an eating disorder. Here are a few tips we hope will help make the process a little smoother.

1. Have your support system in place. This may look like a therapist, doctor, school guidance counsellor, family members, friends, etc. who are aware of your situation and ready to support you.

2. Take it slow. It's okay to not jump into everything instantly. This may include not signing up for every extra-curricular right away, taking mental health days when you need to, and letting your teachers know when you need some extra time.

3. Organize meal support. If you need support and/or a safe space to eat lunch at school, organize this with school faculty. It's never too late to do this if you've realized it would be helpful after the school year has started.

4. Aim to get enough sleep. Sleep schedules can be challenging to put in place once school starts, but sleep has a huge impact on our ability to cope with stressors.

5. Be honest about what you need. Does being back at school mean that you might need an extra therapy session some weeks? Is it feeling too overwhelming? Are some symptoms resurfacing or becoming more difficult to cope with? Being honest about these things (with yourself, your caregiver(s), and professionals) is only going to help you in your recovery.

It is okay to struggle. There is always help available, and you deserve the support you need. ❤️‍🩹

What would you add to this list? 💭

Today, on Suicide Prevention Day, I’m reminded of the silent battles many of us face, including struggles with eating disorders. It’s important to know that these disorders aren’t just about food—they are serious mental health conditions, leading to feelings of isolation, depression, and even thoughts of suicide.⁣
⁣
If you’re struggling, please reach out to someone you trust. You are worthy of love, care, and recovery. Let’s keep spreading awareness and creating spaces where everyone feels safe and supported. // #WorldSuicidePreventionDay #YouAreNotAlone

❤️‍🩹As we raise awareness during Suicide Prevention Week, let’s not forget the strong link between eating disorders and suicidality. For many, the battle with food is also a battle with self-worth and identity. It’s okay to ask for help, whether you’re struggling with an eating disorder or other mental health issues.⁣
⁣
No matter how hard the days feel, your life has value. You deserve healing, and you are never alone in this fight. Let’s continue to stand together. #SuicidePreventionWeek #MentalHealthMatters

✨ Introducing our final panelist for our September 10th webinar: Yasa Ibragimova!⁣
⁣
Yasa Ibragimova attended McMaster University, earning a Bachelor of Arts and Science with a minor in Cognitive and Social Psychology followed by a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. She is trained in therapeutic ideologies including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and mindfulness and relaxation strategies. She works with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, eating disorders, family trauma, interpersonal issues, self-esteem challenges, and the feeling that things are “off” or “something isn’t right”.
⁣
🔗 To register for the webinar, visit bit.ly/NIEDwebinar

.pro-gallery-wix-wrapper {display: block !important;} .pro-gallery-wix-wrapper .gallery-item-container {opacity: 1 !important; display: block !important;}

Latest Instagram Posts

@nied_ca

Education.
Understanding.
Action.

Looking for immediate support?

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis

Please call
911, 988,
or
1-866-NEDIC-20

If you are a caregiver of someone with an eating disorder

Initial
Point of Contact
Program

Latest Blog Posts

Latest Instagram Posts

Get in Touch

About Us

Education. Understanding. Action.

Looking for immediate support?

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis

Please call 911, 988, or 1-866-NEDIC-20

If you are a caregiver of someone with an eating disorder

Initial Point of Contact Program

Latest Blog Posts

​

Latest Instagram Posts

Get in Touch

About Us

Education.
Understanding.
Action.

Please call
911, 988,
or
1-866-NEDIC-20

Initial
Point of Contact
Program