BEAT the stigma of eating disorders
By Iona Hannah
Treatment awareness promotional image by National Institute of Mental Health
More than three million people have an eating disorder in the UK according to BEAT, the eating disorder charity. On the back of that, a national week of awareness has been launched, designed to highlight this issue and encourage people to provide support.
This year the awareness week will run from Monday 24 February to Sunday 2 March. The charity is calling for people to get involved in a variety of different fundraising opportunities in a bid to break the secrecy which surrounds eating disorders.
So many of the people that suffer from these kinds of disorders feel they cannot seek help, so this week is designed to help people reach out. BEAT also aims to help support family and friends of those who struggle with an eating disorder, as they are often neglected in the recovery process.
Eating disorders are very serious illnesses that in serious cases can lead to death, they can affect any age or gender but are usually found in teens and young adults. A lot of treatments are available for those suffering, but where can they find this support?
BEAT’s website provides lots of different ways outside individuals can get involved, for example sharing their recovery stories. Often people who are struggling to seek help need to hear others telling their stories so they can get the support they need. This can also help with spreading awareness, as eating disorders can be a very difficult mental illness to navigate. Therefore, it is best to have as much information as possible out there.
Another way to spread awareness is to take part in fundraising activities like bake sales or going on a sponsored run/walk. You can also sign-up to Beat Eating Disorders mailing list which will keep you updated with what the charity are doing. This will tell you how they are supporting people with eating disorders and what you can do to help. There is a plethora of information on the Beat Eating Disorders website that can help educate you about the illness.