June 2nd: World Eating Disorders Action Day

World Eating Disorders Action Day(™) (WEDAD) takes place annually on June 2nd. 

WEDAD is a global collective founded in 2014 by activists and people with lived experience. It aims to promote eating disorder awareness, recognize the importance of early intervention in eating disorder recovery, call for the increase of access to care and evidence-based treatments, emphasize the need for research in diverse populations, advocate for more professionals working in the field, and so much more. 

This year’s theme: #BreakTheBias & #SupportFamilies 

This year’s theme highlights the fact that eating disorders can affect anyone, regardless of gender, age, or background. Regardless of this fact, there is still so much stigma and misinformation surrounding eating disorders, which delays the process of individuals receiving the proper care they need. Bias holds a significant role in how eating disorders are viewed, diagnosed, and treated. This is why we push for advocacy and education, and encourage others to share their stories. Supporting families refers to including parents and families in their loved ones' care, as they are often dismissed or blamed. Instead, they should be empowered, recognized, educated, and supported. There is also emphasis on the need for families and caregivers to intervene early for the best chance at full recovery, as well as the need for accessible and affordable care. 

Nine Truths About Eating Disorders

The WEDAD website outlines nine truths about eating disorders for people to know and share:

Truth #1: Many people with eating disorders look healthy, yet may be extremely ill.

Truth #2: Families are not to blame, and can be the patients’ and providers’ best allies in treatment.

Truth #3: An eating disorder diagnosis is a health crisis that disrupts personal and family functioning.

Truth #4: Eating disorders are not choices, but serious biologically influenced illnesses.

Truth #5: Eating disorders affect people of all genders, ages, races, ethnicities, body shapes and weights, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic statuses.

Truth #6: Eating disorders carry an increased risk for both suicide and medical complications.

Truth #7: Genes and environment play important roles in the development of eating disorders.

Truth #8: Genes alone do not predict who will develop eating disorders.

Truth #9: Full recovery from an eating disorder is possible. Early detection and intervention are important.

How can I get involved?

The WEDAD website offers some ways to get involved, including: 

1. Follow World Eating Disorder Action Day on Instagram @worldeatingdisordersday on June 2nd, post a photo (with consent of course) with someone who has been affected by an eating disorder or who supports those in recovery with the hashtags #BreakTheBias & #SupportFamilies

   
   

2. Educate others and share your story. To learn more about eating disorders check out our instagram @nied_ca, or website. You can also follow our friends at NEDIC’s instagram @the_nedic or website, Danielle’s Place at the ROCK @daniellesplaceburlington, and Body Brave @bodybravecanada. Do your own research, stay informed, encourage others to get assessed for an eating disorder, etc.

   
   

If you’d like to share your story with us please follow this link: Guidelines to Share Your Story with NIED

3. Support someone who is in recovery from an eating disorder or their caregiver(s): 

   
   

Here at NIED, we have a program called Hand-Knit Hope where you can knit or crochet items and donate them  to organizations in your area. You can also provide a donation of knitting/crocheting supplies, or make a financial donation or gift card donation for supplies. Please click the link provided for more information and how to get started if this is of interest to you.

We also have some events and groups coming up, including Male Caregiver Support Group on Wednesday, June 18th from 6:30 pm-8:00 pm EST over Zoom (drop-in), Sibling Support Group on Monday, June 9th from 4:00 pm-5:30 pm EST over Zoom (drop-in), and a Support Group for Caregivers of Adults with Eating Disorders on Tuesday, June 17th from 12:00 pm-1:30 pm EST over Zoom (drop-in). We also have an Emotional Coaching Event for Caregivers with Sue Huff on Monday, June 2nd from 6:30 pm-8:00 pm EST; you can register through the link.