Eating Disorder Awareness Week

As we can find ways to be mindful of our bodies and mental health needs, let’s shine a spotlight on Eating Disorder Awareness Week. From February 26th-March 1st, Eating Disorder Awareness Week (EDAW) is an important and essential mental health experience to center that impacts both mind and body. For a recent primer on this topic, check out what past intern Lauren Chase has said about this topic last year.

According to the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA), “Eating disorders have the second-highest mortality rate among mental health conditions, with one person dying from an eating disorder every 52 minutes, yet many are unaware of the barriers that can make it difficult to find recovery, including a lack of understanding about eating disorders and their impact.”

Although this MMHM does not replace seeking out medical or mental health attention, here are a few signs to look out for when screening for your relationship to food and your body:

• Worrying more about your weight and body composition than other people your age

• Fear around weight gain

• How often you pursue going on a diet

• Negative/hurtful feelings and views towards your body/weight

• A felt loss of control over your relationship to food

• Acted impulsively or hurtfully towards your body due to expectations around weight

• A lack of interest in eating or food that has led to major problems for you

• Refusing to eat certain foods and often eliminating whole food groups (carbohydrates, fats, etc.)

• Extreme mood swings

• Impacted sleep or dizziness, especially upon standing

• Difficulties concentrating

If any of these questions are bringing up worry about your relationship to your body, consider doing the screening from NEDA by clicking here or talking with your therapist or medical provider during your next planned visit. It is not uncommon for there to be a connection with disordered eating to mental health conditions, medical stressors and food insecurity - especially if that person is in a vulnerable population such as being a person of color or self-identifies as LGBTQ+. 

In addition to mental health and medical support, NEDA offers free support group resources. Although this does not replace accessing in-person or regularly seen treatment professionals, community support can be a helpful ally in addressing disordered eating and eating disorders.

Help is not far away - Looking Glass Counseling is committed to providing inclusive treatment through meaningful connection that is personalized and accessible. We hope you reach out to your therapist at LGC or a community support you feel connected to in the days ahead whether as someone who experiences disordered eating or desires to be an ally for this cause!

---

Lou Lim, LMHC, REAT is a licensed mental health counselor and registered expressive arts therapist (REAT) with a master's degree in Expressive Therapy and Mental Health Counseling from Lesley University. He is a member of the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association and on the committee for REAT credentialing. He has 13 years of experience in counseling and expressive therapy working with children, adolescents, teenagers, adults, and retirees.

Thank you for your interest in our Monday Mental Health Moments. Join our mailing list for a weekly newsletter on various mental health topics, and information about upcoming groups or workshops. No spam, we promise!