Editor’s Note:  Next week is National Eating Disorder Awareness Week.    As therapy and clinical professionals, we are in a unique position to know our students and clients.  According to the National Institutes of Health 2.7 percent of children aged 13- 18 will have a severe eating disorder in their lifetime, and that girls are twice as likely as boys to suffer from one.    Research suggests that roughly 2/3 of patients admitted to eating disorder treatment programs will also meet diagnostic criteria for depression.   Given that many of the children we treat do suffer from anxiety and depression, it is incumbent on those in our field to be vigilant for the signs and symptoms of eating disorders as well.

[Source:  National Eating Disorders.org]

Spearheaded by the National Eating Disorders Association, the goal of National Eating Disorders Awareness (#NEDAwareness) Week is to shine the spotlight on eating disorders and put life-saving resources into the hands of those in need. This year’s theme is It’s Time to Talk About It and we’re encouraging everyone to get screened.

It’s time we take eating disorders seriously as public health concerns. It’s time we bust the myths and get the facts. It’s time to celebrate recovery and the heroes who make it possible. It’s time to take action and fight for change. It’s time to shatter the stigma and increase access to care. It’s Time to Talk About It!

Visit the NEDA Website to Learn More

Download the Educator Toolkit

Download the Parents Toolkit