To the Editor:
The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) designates February 26th through March 1st as National Eating Disorders Week. NEDA uses this week to promote awareness of eating disorders and spread hope for those in recovery and their families. About 8% of the population of the United States suffers from them. This year’s theme is Healing in Community.
According to the American Psychiatric Association, there are five types of eating disorders: Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder, Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, and other specified feeding or eating disorders. Eating disorders are significant health conditions that affect both your physical and mental health. If not treated correctly, they can become long-term problems and, in some cases, can cause death.
Some people think that eating disorders only affect girls. As many as one-third of people with eating disorders are men and boys. The Child Mind Institute says that girls with eating disorders are typically obsessed with being thin. While boys experiencing anorexia have a similar motive, they more often focus on achieving a muscular physique.
Eating disorders can commonly occur with other mental health issues like depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and anxiety. Eating disorders can be a risk factor associated with suicide. Some studies show that up to 20% of those with anorexia attempt suicide, and up to 43% reported having suicidal ideation. Individuals with Bulimia Nervosa are 45% more likely to have suicidal ideation than those who do not. People with Binge Eating Disorder are five times more likely to attempt suicide than peers without it.
You can learn more about eating disorders by visiting https://jasonfoundation. com/eating-disorders. You will also see some of the signs and symptoms to look out for. The Jason Foundation is dedicated to the prevention of youth suicide through educational and awareness programs that equip young people, educators/youth workers, and parents with the tools and resources to help identify and assist at-risk youth.
Morgan Marks
Chief Development Officer The Jason Foundation, Inc.
