Connecting to Community Resources During NEDA Week
The National Eating Disorder Association hosts NEDA week every year to raise awareness about eating disorders, and this year NEDA week is from February 22 – 28. You might be interested in learning more, but might not know where to start. We put together this collection of resources to support individuals who are in their recovery journey, loved ones supporting someone in recovery, or professionals who want to provide excellent care to their clients. Year round, NEDA offers amazing services such as a hotline that can be reached at 800-931-2237 (or text “NEDA” to 741741). They also offer an online chat option on their website. Learn more about NEDA by going here: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/get-involved/nedawareness You can also join the annual NEDA walk, which on the west coast will be on April 10, 2021, and helps raise awareness for Eating Disorders. You can sign up here: https://www.nedawalk.org/
Eating Disorders are something which impacts the lives of many Americans, as well as people all over the world. The ANAD (National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders) lists general statistics about Eating Disorders as well as for marginalized groups such as BIPOC, LGBTQ+, People With Disabilities, People in Larger Bodies, Athletes and Veterans. You can learn more about statistics surrounding Eating Disorders by going here: https://anad.org/get-informed/about-eating-disorders/eating-disorders-statistics/
ANAD also offers a network of free Eating Disorder Support Groups to the community, and many are being offered online during the pandemic. This is a great resource for individuals and families who are needing community-based support or are new to the recovery journey. You can find more about their support groups by going here: https://anad.org/get-help/about-our-support-groups/
If you are looking for reading materials to become educated on Eating Disorders and the recovery process, you can find some resources here. Sick Enough by Jennifer Guadiani is a book that helps to provide the medical perspective on the impact of Eating Disorders. You can find it here: https://www.amazon.com/Sick-Enough-Jennifer-L-Gaudiani/dp/0815382456
A great book that is very healing for women who are on the journey of recovery is Eating in the Light of the Moon by Anita Johnson, which provides metaphors and story telling to aid in the healing journey. You can find it here: https://www.amazon.com/Eating-Light-Moon-Relationship-Storytelling/dp/0936077360
If you are interested in reading about the person journey of someone who has also gone through the recovery process, Life Without Ed by Jenni Schaefer provides a perspective on Eating Disorders as a relationship. You can find it here: https://www.amazon.com/Life-Without-Ed-Declared-Independence/dp/0071422986 Jenni Schaefer also has a second book about her healing journey called Goodbye Ed, Hello Me. You can find it here: https://www.amazon.com/Goodbye-Ed-Hello-Me-Disorder/dp/0071608877
If you are looking for interactive reading materials on improving relationship with food, adopting an All Foods Fit mentality, and challenging diet culture, The Intuitive Eating Workbook by Evelyn Tribole might be a good fit for what you are looking for. You can find it here: https://www.amazon.com/Intuitive-Eating-Revolutionary-Program-Works/dp/1250004047
If you are looking to challenge diet culture expectations on body size and cultivate acceptance for body diversity, Health At Every Size by Linda Bacon is a great resource to look into. You can find it here: https://www.amazon.com/Health-At-Every-Size-Surprising/dp/1935618253 In line with the HAES philosophy is the concept of Joyful Movement. It can be healing to reframe your relationship with body and relationship with movement by finding movement that feels joyful in the body, versus exercising as compensation or punishment.
If you’re looking for a podcast to listen to, Christie Harrison has a podcast focused on supporting the recovery process and challenging diet culture. You can find her podcast here: https://christyharrison.com/foodpsych and you can also find her book, Anti-Diet, here: https://www.amazon.com/Anti-Diet-Reclaim-Well-Being-Happiness-Intuitive/dp/0316420352
If you are a professional who wants to look into supporting those in recovery from an Eating Disorder, you can connect with organizations like International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals and look into becoming a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist. You can find more about IADEP by going here: http://www.iaedp.com/about-us/ There are also some amazing treatment centers that offer free online trainings for professions to get CEU courses on treating Eating Disorders. One such center is Alsana, you can find more information by going here: https://www.alsana.com/events-calendar/
Most importantly, if you or someone you care about is struggling with disordered eating, or a negative relationship with food or their body, know that help is available. It can be healing to connect with a therapist and a dietitian who understands Eating Disorders and can help you on your journey of recovery.
– Alejandra Rose, LMFT
