Understanding Eating Disorders and Eating Disorder Awareness Month
Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that affect millions of Americans each year. Characterized by unhealthy eating behaviors, negative body image, and often an obsession with food or weight, eating disorders come in many forms, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and others.
People struggling with an eating disorder may severely restrict their food intake, binge eat, purge after eating, or engage in other harmful behaviors. These disorders can take a serious toll on both physical and mental health if not properly treated.
In order to spread awareness and education about these potentially deadly conditions, National Eating Disorders Awareness Week and Month are observed each February in the United States. During this time, organizations, advocates, and communities come together to share resources, host events, lobby for change, and support those affected by eating disorders.
When is Eating Disorder Awareness Month?
Eating Disorder Awareness Month is observed annually in February in the United States. This coincides with National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, which takes place from February 26 to March 4 each year.
Key Dates
- February 1: Start of Eating Disorder Awareness Month
- February 26-March 4: National Eating Disorders Awareness Week
- February 28: International Purple Day for Eating Disorder Awareness
- March 1: National Eating Disorders Screening Day
The month kicks off on February 1st and runs through the end of the month. National Eating Disorders Awareness Week then takes place during the last week of February into the first week of March.
Within this key awareness week, International Purple Day occurs on February 28th. People are encouraged to wear purple to show support for eating disorder awareness. March 1st is also recognized as National Eating Disorders Screening Day.
History of Eating Disorder Awareness Month
Eating Disorder Awareness Month grew out of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, which was first established in 1986 by an eating disorders nonprofit called the Eating Disorders Coalition (EDC).
The EDC's goal was to raise awareness, educate the public, and embolden efforts to prevent eating disorders. They chose to establish National Eating Disorders Awareness Week to coincide with the birthdate of Karen Carpenter, a famous singer who tragically died from heart failure related to anorexia nervosa.
Over the years, National Eating Disorders Awareness Week expanded into a month-long awareness campaign during February. This increased duration gave advocates and organizations more time to promote education, early intervention, and treatment access for eating disorders.
Key Events in History
- 1986: First National Eating Disorders Awareness Week launched by Eating Disorders Coalition
- 2001: International Purple Day started in Canada
- 2008: First National Eating Disorders Screening Day held
- 2016: Medicare expands coverage for eating disorder treatment
- 2018: Congress formally designates February as National Eating Disorders Awareness Month
Some other notable events in the history of eating disorder awareness include the establishment of International Purple Day in 2001 and National Eating Disorders Screening Day in 2008.
In 2016, important policy changes were made when Medicare expanded coverage for intensive eating disorder treatment programs. Then in 2018, the U.S. Congress passed a resolution formally designating February as National Eating Disorders Awareness Month.
Purpose and Goals
Eating Disorder Awareness Month serves several key purposes and goals:
Spreading Awareness
A major goal is to spread awareness about eating disorders, reduce stigma, and share the message that recovery is possible. Many people misunderstand eating disorders or harbor misconceptions that fuel stigma.
Education
Awareness campaigns aim to educate the public about the complex nature of eating disorders, their mental and physical effects, and how loved ones can spot signs of an eating disorder and seek help.
Prevention
Outreach aims to promote positive body image, healthy eating and exercise habits, and self-esteem - especially in children and teens. This can help prevent eating disorders from developing in the first place.
Increasing Access to Care
Advocacy efforts call attention to barriers in accessing eating disorder treatment and insurance coverage. The goal is to help improve access to specialized care.
Supporting Those Affected
Awareness events and initiatives provide support and solidarity to those struggling with eating disorders and their loved ones. They encourage speaking out and seeking help.
How Eating Disorders Awareness Month is Observed
Eating Disorder Awareness Month features a variety of events, campaigns, and initiatives aimed at furthering its goals. Some key ways the month is observed include:
Conferences and Events
Different organizations put on conferences, charity events, galas, walks, runs, workshops, and other in-person and virtual events.
Social Media Campaigns
Hashtags like #EatingDisordersAwarenessMonth are used to spread key messages, survivor stories, treatment resources, and more on social media.
Awareness Drives
Drives distribute educational materials, screening questionnaires, and promotional items like ribbons and wristbands.
Legislative Advocacy
Lobbying efforts call for policies to improve research funding, access to care, and mandated eating disorder education in schools.
Fundraisers
Charity fundraisers are held to support nonprofit groups assisting those affected by eating disorders.
Lighting Landmarks Purple
Major landmarks like Niagara Falls and the London Eye are lit up purple for International Purple Day on February 28th.
Media and Entertainment Industry
TV, movies, music, magazines, and other media help highlight eating disorder issues.
These diverse efforts all help promote the month's goals of education, stigma reduction, prevention, treatment access, and support for the eating disorder community.
The Importance of Eating Disorder Awareness
Raising awareness about eating disorders during February is crucial for many reasons:
Eating Disorders are Common
Eating disorders affect at least 9% of the population and impact people of all ages, genders, races, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Eating Disorders Can Be Deadly
Eating disorders have one of the highest mortality rates of all mental illnesses. Without treatment, they can lead to heart failure, organ damage, suicide, and other life-threatening outcomes.
Early Intervention is Key
Catching and treating eating disorders early leads to better outcomes. Awareness helps people recognize symptoms and seek help faster.
Stigma Persists
Misconceptions that eating disorders are a "choice" or somehow the fault of sufferers continue to fuel stigma and serve as barriers to recovery.
Increasing Diversity of Those Affected
Eating disorders impact people across lines of gender, age, and race. But resources for recognizing and treating them in diverse communities is lacking.
Raising awareness helps address all of these issues, spreading knowledge that can literally save lives.
Tips for Supporting Eating Disorder Awareness Month
Everyone can play a role in boosting awareness and support for those affected by eating disorders. Some tips include:
Educate Yourself
Learn more about eating disorders like the signs, symptoms, causes, and how you can help someone who may be struggling.
Check Your Biases
Be aware of any misconceptions or judgements you may hold about eating disorders and work to replace them with empathy.
Spread Awareness
Share informative articles, personal stories, and messages of hope on social media to break stereotypes.
Support a Charity
Look for charities that help those affected by eating disorders and consider volunteering or donating.
Display a Purple Ribbon
Wearing a purple ribbon or purple clothing is a great conversation starter for educating others.
Urge Policy Reform
Advocate for improved health policies surrounding prevention, screening, and access to eating disorder treatment.
Practice Self-Care
For those in recovery, awareness month can be triggering. Prioritize your health by not overexposing yourself.
With greater understanding and empathy, we can make a positive difference for the millions impacted by eating disorders.
The Future of Eating Disorder Awareness
While awareness has come a long way, there is still much work to be done. Some goals for the future include:
Expanded Education Efforts
School-based eating disorder education programs need to become more widespread to promote positive body image and early intervention.
Increased Diversity
More research, resources, and support networks must be developed for recognizing and treating eating disorders in diverse communities.
Holistic Health Approaches
Raising awareness should highlight holistic treatment models that address both physical and mental health.
Access for All
Care standards and insurance coverage must continue to improve so anyone needing treatment can access specialized help.
Sharing Stories
Platforms enabling people to share their eating disorder and recovery stories can transform awareness and inspire change.
Awareness All Year
While having a dedicated awareness month is key, education and advocacy need to continue year-round.
With a multifaceted approach focused on these goals, the eating disorder community can work to create a healthier, more compassionate future.
Finding Help and Support for Eating Disorders
During Eating Disorder Awareness Month it's important to highlight the many sources of help and support out there for those struggling with an eating disorder:
Talk to Your Doctor
Your primary care physician can screen for eating disorders, address health impacts, and refer you to specialists.
Mental Health Professionals
Therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists provide vital counseling and treatment plans.
Treatment Centers
Inpatient, outpatient, residential facilities, and intensive day programs offer different levels of structured care.
Support Groups
Peer support groups for those with eating disorders along with groups for family and friends.
Online Resources
Reputable websites like ANAD.org and NationalEatingDisorders.org provide education, helplines, and toolkits.
Mobile Apps
Apps like Recovery Record and Rise Up + Recover help with meal planning, coping, support groups, and more.
You don't have to face an eating disorder alone. There are many sources of professional treatment, peer support, and tools that can assist the recovery process.
FAQs
When did Eating Disorder Awareness Month start?
Eating Disorder Awareness Month grew out of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, which was first established in 1986 by the Eating Disorders Coalition.
What color represents eating disorder awareness?
The color purple is used to represent eating disorder awareness, especially on International Purple Day on February 28th.
How can I support Eating Disorder Awareness Month?
You can wear purple, share information on social media, attend awareness events, lobby for policy reforms, donate to nonprofits, and educate yourself.
What activities happen during Eating Disorder Awareness Month?
Activities include conferences, charity events, social media campaigns, educational drives, legislative advocacy, fundraisers, landmark lightings, and spotlighting the issue in media and entertainment.
Who started National Eating Disorders Awareness Week?
National Eating Disorders Awareness Week was started in 1986 by the Eating Disorders Coalition, the first eating disorder nonprofit organization.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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