The Importance of Eating Disorders Awareness Week (EDAW)
An eating disorder can be difficult to spot but can profoundly affect a personโs physical and mental health.
Today is the last day of Eating Disorders Awareness Week (EDAW). At Sanford, we did not want to let the week slip away without commenting on the importance of eating disorder awareness andย EDAW. The fact is, every week at our behavioral health campus is eating disorder awareness week. Our staff at every level and program specialty is trained in eating disorder awareness, and this week, our monitors proudly displayed the EDAW banner. The National Eating Disorders Association has chosen the theme “the time is now.” The theme highlights the importance of sharing knowledge and resources, encouraging early detection and treatment, and supporting ongoing research. As EDAW collaborators, we are steadfast in upholding these conditions year-round.
Monitors at Sanford Behavioral Health during #EDAW
The Importance of Eating Disorder Awareness (EDAW)
An eating disorder can be difficult to spot but can profoundly affect a personโs physical and mental health. Knowing the types of eating disorders, getting help for yourself or someone you love, and being aware of available resources are essential for ensuring that those affected receive the proper treatment. Eating disorder awareness is vital because treatment can help to manage symptoms and improve daily life. With the proper support, those struggling with an eating disorder can recover and build a new life. When individuals talk openly about their experiences, it helps reduce judgment or stigma. Awareness of eating disorders means more people can access the help they need. The importance of eating disorder awareness includes:
- Increased understanding of the types of eating disorders.
- Education and community support.
- Early recognition and diagnosis lead to more successful outcomes.
- More resources and support (online or in-person) are available.
- A decrease in the risk of long-term health complications and potential death due to an undiagnosed eating disorder.
- Increased confidence and decreased stigma.
What Are the Types of Eating Disorders?
Eating disorders are mental health conditions that involve abnormal behaviors focused on food and body weight. This can range from severely restricted eating to excessive amounts of food consumption. Eating disorders can be severe, with effects both psychologically and physically. Examples of eating disorders include:
- Anorexia nervosa is marked by excessive weight loss and an intense fear of gaining weight.
- Bulimia nervosa is a cycle of binge eating followed by purging methods, such as self-induced vomiting or laxative use.
- Binge eating disorder involves periods of uncontrollable eating without compensatory behavior.
- Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder is characterized by extreme pickiness and avoidance of eating certain types of foods.
- Other specified feeding or eating disorders (OSFED) is a group of conditions that donโt fit the criteria for any other type of eating disorder.
- Co-occurring disorders are common, such as eating disorders, OCD, depression, or anxiety.
Sanford Behavioral Health Eating Disorder Awareness
Sanford Behavioral Health provides a full continuum of care for eating disorders, including residential, partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), and outpatient services. Clinical Manager Hilary Fowler, MSN, PMHNP, CPNP, says, “The continuum is very important in eating disorders awareness. In fact, the step-down approach is evidence-based and helps prevent relapse in eating disorders and addiction. Residential treatment gives our clients a great foundation to recover. However, if they are discharged home without any real simulation of how to handle stressors while managing their meal plan and attending therapy without the cocoon of residential treatment, they can relapse.”
Day programs (PHP) help our clients assimilate a support environment while they experience the stressors and triggering experiences of home life. So, they must go through all the steps, from residential to PHP to intensive outpatient therapy (IOP). The full continuum allows them to get support from the treatment team while living at home and dealing with the stressors. All the evidence supports that itโs important for relapse prevention. We have a flexible IOP schedule, and it puts structure in the day.
Our experienced professionals utilize evidence-based techniques and a personalized approach to address each patientโs needs.ย At Sanford, we offer a range of treatment modalities, including individual therapy, group therapy, nutrition counseling, and family therapy at our behavioral health campus. If you or a loved one is struggling with an eating disorder, please contact our caring admissions specialists.
