Spreading Awareness in 2021 with National Eating Disorder Awareness Week

About nine percent of the U.S. population is living with an eating disorder. To clarify, that’s almost 29 million people. But, while the number of people experiencing eating disorders may be astounding, what’s even more surprising is the lack of eating disorder awareness. Due to the lack of awareness and resources for eating disorders, many individuals living with these conditions don’t get the help they need. National Eating Disorder Awareness Week aims to continue spreading awareness for these conditions. And, spread information about available resources so individuals and families dealing with eating disorders can get the professional assistance they need to obtain healing.

Mental Health Conditions With Debilitating Symptoms

Eating disorders are clinically diagnosable mental health conditions that are characterized by debilitating symptoms. For example, eating disorders include conditions like:

  • Binge Eating Disorder
  • Anorexia Nervosa
  • Bulimia Nervosa
  • Rumination Disorder
  • Pica
  • Restrictive Food Intake Disorder

The symptoms of eating disorders range depending on the specific illness. However, each of these conditions involves an experience of debilitating symptoms which can impact everyday life, relationships, and health. Furthermore, individuals living with eating disorders share feelings of uncontrol in their lives. However, they may feel the only thing they’re able to control is their eating behaviors, which is another characteristic aspect of eating disorders.

Signs and Symptoms of Eating Disorders

Wondering if you or someone you love is struggling with an eating disorder? Professional help is effective in successfully treating and managing the symptoms and behaviors associated with eating disorders. But, before one can get help, they have to acknowledge the issues with disordered eating in their own lives. One of the ways to identify if an eating disorder is affecting you or a loved one is to determine if an individual is experiencing some of the signs and symptoms of eating disorders. But, while there are a number of kinds of eating disorders, symptoms can vary. And, include both physical and emotional symptoms to consider.

Some of the emotional signs and symptoms of eating disorders may include:

  • an overwhelming urge to control eating behaviors by using excessive exercise, restrictive dieting, and avoidance of certain foods or food groups
  • an obsession with body weight, body image, and/or size
  • mood swings and irritability
  • meal skipping
  • avoidance behaviors (not wanting to eat in front of others)
  • losing interest in past interests (hobbies, friends, etc.)
  • calorie counting, extreme dieting, diet fads, and other restrictive dieting behaviors

Some of the physical signs and symptoms of eating disorders may include:

  • extreme weight loss or weight gain
  • digestive issues and pain in the digestive organs (stomach cramping, etc.)
  • dental issues including decay and cavities
  • brittle fingernails, toenails, and hair
  • impaired immune system (getting sick easily, slow-healing wounds, etc.)
  • sleeping too much or too little
  • feelings of being dizzy and fainting
  • trouble focusing
  • low iron, hormone, and other levels
  • a weakening of the muscles

National Eating Disorder Awareness Week – Feb 22 – 28, 2021

National Eating Disorder Awareness Week is an annual week dedicated to spreading awareness about eating disorders in the U.S. Firstly, there are many myths and common misconceptions about eating disorders. So, many may not understand that they or a loved one is actually living with one of these conditions. Secondly, a lack of resources may lead to many individuals not finding and securing the help they need to obtain lasting healing.

Above all, the week focuses on spreading awareness, hope, and education to individuals and families living with the impact of eating disorders. As a result, assisting more individuals who live with these disorders so they can not only get help but live their lives without the life-threatening symptoms of these conditions.

Getting Help for Eating Disorders at Delray Center for Healing

Are you or a loved one recognizing some of the signs and symptoms of eating disorders in your life? If so, help is available through professional, clinical, individualized treatment. Outpatient eating disorder treatment available at Delray Center for Healing locations assists individuals in identifying eating disorders. And, establishes effective treatment programs for individuals dealing with eating disorders. Finally, to learn more about our eating disorder treatment program, reach out today.