Episode 49: National Eating Disorder Awareness Week

[00:00:00] Foreign hello there and welcome back to Just say Something podcast. I'm Philip Clark, CEO here at Just say Something. [00:00:17] We are continuing our series on awareness days around mental health that some of you may not have heard of. But from where we sit, they're very important. [00:00:29] Today we're discussing National Eating Disorder Awareness week, which is February 24th through March 2nd of this year. [00:00:42] I know this isn't always an easy conversation, but it's an important one to be had first. If you like our podcast, subscribe, follow, like, comment and share to friends, family, coworkers, anybody you come across, send it to them. Use the link that you have or you can post the link on your social media to share it. That way we will greatly, greatly appreciate that. [00:01:16] So back to today's topic. The statistics about eating disorders are very hard to hear. [00:01:24] Every 52 minutes someone loses their life to an eating disorder. [00:01:31] These conditions have the second highest mortality rate among mental health challenges, yet many suffer in silence. [00:01:42] Early intervention with eating disorders is very important. It may be hard to see the warning signs, but they could include changes in eating patterns, exercising excessively, or withdrawing from meals. If you notice these, it deserves your attention. [00:02:06] So the theme this year for this particular week is the time is now. [00:02:15] And this is very appropriate because many people delay seeking help due to to the stigma of shame or denial. [00:02:25] Treatment options exist but aren't widely known in the community. [00:02:31] Recovery is possible with proper support and every day of delay increases health risk. [00:02:41] There are a few common misconceptions about eating disorders. They don't just affect women. They affect all genders, all ages and all body types. [00:02:53] They're not choices or phrases. [00:02:57] Recovery isn't about just willpower and professional help is essential. [00:03:05] There is available support. 988 can always direct you to our local, appropriate resources, but you can also contact the National Eating disorders helpline at 1-800-931-2237 or you can text NEDA to 741741 for immediate support. [00:03:37] If you are concerned for someone who may have an eating disorder, one Reach out to a health care or your health care providers, contact eating disorder specialist, join support communities and then share recovery stories if you're comfortable doing so. [00:04:03] For supporters, learn early warning signs, listen without judgment, share reliable resources and then help us advocate for awareness. [00:04:19] Recovery stories prove healing is possible, research advances bring new treatments, and communities grow stronger through awareness. [00:04:33] If you're struggling, pause this podcast, call the helpline. Reach out to someone. You deserve support. [00:04:44] Remember 1-800-931-2237 or you can call our local crisis line at 988. [00:04:57] Well, that's another week of our podcast. So as this episode comes to an end, I want to thank you for listening. But I also want you to remember to share, subscribe, follow and like with your friends, co workers and family. And I look forward to seeing you next week.