5 Ways to Get Involved With National Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2019

For the United States, this year’s National Eating Disorders Awareness Week begins on February 25 and ends on March 3. The theme is “Come As You Are,” highlighting the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) goal to bring more inclusive ideas to the eating disorder community, regardless of the stage of recovery you are in, the body you are in or the way that you identify. Whether you have an eating disorder yourself, you know someone who has an eating disorder or you simply support those who are living in silence, your voice matters this eating disorders awareness week. Here are five ways you can help spread awareness this coming week:

1. Utilize social media.

Social media is a massive platform to spread awareness. NEDA offers various shareable graphics, ways to update your profile picture and even provides sample messages that can be copied and pasted onto social media platforms. These resources can be found here.

2. Share your story of recovery safely.

If you struggle with an eating disorder yourself, or are in recovery, sharing your story can be a hopeful, inspirational message for others who may be living in silence. It can be difficult to know how much to share when it comes to writing out your story. Some things to keep in mind might be to refrain from using numbers (sizes, calories, weight) and avoid graphic details of behaviors as these could be triggering or become breeding ground for comparisons.

3. Attend a NEDA walk or recovery-focused event.

On NEDA’s website, you can search for events in your location that center around eating disorder awareness. Most locations have NEDA walks throughout the year. Other locations may have support groups or recovery-focused events through NEDA or another similar eating disorder treatment or resource center.

4. Share posters and infographics with doctor’s offices, schools and local shops.

Reaching people in your community is easier when posters and infographics are in spots that are easily visible and accessible. Ask your local doctor’s offices, schools and local shops if it’s OK to put up posters and infographics. This can allow for anonymity, and reach those who may be struggling in silence. NEDA offers posters and infographics here.

5. Remember to take care of yourself first.

If you’re struggling with an eating disorder, it might be difficult to see all of these posts on social media and in public places about eating disorders. It’s important to remember to take care of yourself first and foremost. This National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, treat yourself to daily, consistent self-care. This could be as simple as staying off social media for the week, or as elaborate as going to the spa and getting a mani-pedi.