#BeTheChange and #SeeTheChange: It’s

National Eating Disorder Awareness Week

Picture this: it’s a rare sunny day here in the Pacific Northwest, and you’re walking down
the street, feeling confident and carefree. Suddenly, you hear a voice in your head that
says, “You’re not good enough.” “You’re too fat.” “You’ll never be happy until you’re thin.”
Sound familiar? Unfortunately, for millions of people, these thoughts are all too real and
a constant presence in their lives. Welcome to the world of eating disorders.
But there’s hope on the horizon! National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) is
gearing up for their annual National Eating Disorder Awareness Week, a time to raise
awareness, provide support, and dispel harmful myths about eating disorders. So, grab
a slice of pizza or a kale salad (all foods are acceptable, after all) and get ready to learn
all about the ins and outs of eating disorders and why NEDA’s National Eating Disorder
Awareness Week is the spotlight we need on some important truths about eating
disorders.

National Eating Disorder Awareness Week

Eating disorders are a serious and prevalent issue that affect millions of people
worldwide. 9% of the U.S population, or about 28.8 million Americans will have an
eating disorder in their lifetime. From anorexia to bulimia to binge eating disorder, these
conditions can be life-threatening and have a devastating impact on both physical and
mental health. But despite their prevalence, eating disorders are still shrouded in stigma
and misunderstanding.

That’s why this February 27 – March 5 has been deemed National Eating Disorder
Awareness Week, a time to raise awareness, provide support, and empower change for
those affected by eating disorders. NEDA kick starts it’s campaign on eating disorder
awareness and recovery with a simple slogan, “It’s time for change” with additional
encouragement to #BeTheChange and #SeeTheChange.

Treatment & Support For Eating

Disorders Is Available At THIRA
Health
If you or someone you know is suffering with an eating disorder, we are here to help. No
one has to go through this alone. Learn how our therapeutic techniques and
interventions adapted to the treatment of eating disorders can help you change your
relationship with food and feel physically and emotionally happier and healthier.

#BeTheChange

So, what does it mean to #BeTheChange when it comes to eating disorder awareness?
Being the change includes continued participation in advocacy, awareness efforts, and
community building for those affected by eating disorders (parents and loved ones
included). Being an informed individual can help you be an ally and resource to
someone in need rather than perpetuating the shadow side of diet culture or engaging
in unhelpful behaviors.

Start With What You Know

Eating disorders are emotionally, mentally, and physically draining. This is a very
isolating diagnosis that takes control of someone’s life. Knowing and identifying
symptoms and behaviors of eating disorders can help you know when to step in and
point them towards available support. This may be a tough conversation to have, but it
can also be life-saving and the intervention someone needs to seek treatment for their
eating disorder.

Share What You Know

Whether you are a mentor to someone in recovery, post about your personal
experiences in recovery on social media, or volunteer with a larger organization, you are
supporting people just by being part of the eating disorder community. Adopting an
attitude of continued learning and growth can inspire others and bring awareness to a
preventable and treatable condition.

Click here to view community resources and advocacy efforts online or in your area that
you can be a part of and share.

#SeeTheChange

You can #SeeTheChange by recognizing and ensuring you’re receiving treatment that is
consistent with the ever-evolving eating disorder field. The ultimate aim is to:

● Increase treatment success rates

● Decrease instances of relapse
● Identify warning signs
● Strengthen prevention messages and
● Continue to develop and improve upon current treatment options

Positive change is possible because of the awareness and advocacy work everyone
does. Whether it is a steady increase in recovery resources, such as helplines, utilized,
destigmatization of diagnosis, accessibility of treatments, groundbreaking research and
legislative action, the change has become increasingly more visible.
What Are Some Recent
Developments In The Field Of
Eating Disorder Treatment?
In recent years, there have been a number of important developments in the field of
eating disorder treatment, including:

1. Integration of technology: Technology has become an increasingly

important tool in the treatment of eating disorders. Virtual therapy, online
support groups, and telemedicine have become more common, allowing
individuals to receive care from the comfort of their own homes.
2. Expansion of evidence-based treatments: There has been a growing
emphasis on evidence-based treatments for eating disorders, including
cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT),
and family-based therapy. These treatments have been shown to be
effective in reducing symptoms and improving outcomes for individuals
with eating disorders.
 3. Recognition of comorbidities: There is a growing recognition of the
importance of treating comorbid mental health conditions, such as anxiety
and depression, in individuals with eating disorders. Many eating disorder
treatments now incorporate a holistic approach, addressing not just the
eating disorder, but also any underlying mental health conditions.
4. Increased focus on diversity and inclusivity: There has been a growing
focus on addressing the needs of diverse populations in eating disorder
treatment, including individuals from different cultural, racial, and
socioeconomic backgrounds. This has led to the development of culturally
responsive treatments and increased access to care for marginalized
populations.
5. Development of new pharmacotherapies: There has been significant
progress in the development of new pharmacotherapies for eating
disorders, including medications to treat anorexia nervosa and binge
eating disorder. These new medications are showing promise in reducing
symptoms and improving outcomes for individuals with eating disorders.

These developments highlight the progress that has been made in the field of eating
disorder treatment, and the growing emphasis on evidence-based, individualized, and
accessible care. While more research is needed to continue to improve outcomes for
individuals with eating disorders, these advances are a step in the right direction.

Eating Disorder Recovery Tools & Information

ED recovery is a journey, but one you do not have to tackle alone. There are many
supports, therapies and tools that you can utilize, regardless of where you are in your
recovery journey. Research shows that many Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
tools can be very effective for promoting positive coping skills and mood regulation.

Interpersonal Effectiveness Skills In

Eating Disorder Recovery
With all the discussion of advocacy on a global or national scale, it’s important to
remember that advocacy begins within each of us. Everyone’s experience with
disordered eating and recovery is different and that is ok. It is important to be able to
effectively verbalize what supports work for you and what does not so your unique
needs can be met.

Recovery for eating disorders often puts a strain on some of the most important
relationships in your life. However, conflict in relationships can be improved by utilizing a
DBT tool called DEAR MAN, for example. This is a tool that addresses the importance
of self-advocacy, vocalizing needs, and maintaining positive interpersonal relationships.
DEAR MAN stands for:

D – describe the situation

E – express your feelings/reaction to the situation

A – assert yourself in your perspective, needs and wants

R – reinforce the positive consequences of your ask, and clarify potential negative
consequences

M – (be) mindful in your goals, delivery, and position

A – appear confident, knowledgeable and strong in your position

N – negotiate by willing to give to get

Positive Affirmations For Eating
Disorder Recovery
Lastly, it is important to replace negative, unwanted behaviors or reactions to triggers
with positive coping skills. One example of a DBT positive coping skill is practicing
affirmations. It seems simple, but it is effective when practiced. Success is not always
easy, but positive self-talk can make it possible. An example of a positive affirmation
mantra may look like:

I am able to express my emotions in a healthy, positive way. I can do anything I

want. I have many options and always make the best decisions I can. I have
stability in my life and in myself. I like myself. I respect my body. My body is
strong.

Eating Disorder Treatment At THIRA Health

If you need support in recovery, THIRA Health’s unique pillars and approach to eating
disorder treatment may be the answer. Are you ready to #BeTheChange and
#SeeTheChange?

Source:
https://www.thirahealth.com/2023/02/22/bethechange-and-seethechange-its-national-eating-dis
order-awareness-week/