Eating Disorder Awareness Week: A Step Towards Understanding, Recovery, and Hope
Every year, we observe Eating Disorder Awareness Week (EDAW) to bring awareness to individuals who experience difficulties with eating disorders and to create understanding, compassion, and support for recovery. At Steps Together Group, we are dedicated to providing care, compassion, and the necessary resources to support people reclaim their lives from the grip of these complex conditions.
Understanding Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are not just about food. They are multifaceted mental health conditions that affect individuals of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. Whether it’s anorexia, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, or other forms, eating disorders often stem from a combination of psychological, genetic, and environmental factors. They can deeply affect one’s physical and emotional well-being.
Common signs of eating disorders include:
- Extreme concern with body weight and shape
- Unhealthy eating behaviours, such as restricting, overeating, or purging
- Obsessive thoughts about food or dieting
- Physical health complications such as drastic weight fluctuations or nutritional deficiencies
At Steps Together, we understand that eating disorders are complex and can be difficult to talk about. Our mission is to create an open, safe, and non-judgmental space for those affected.
According to BEAT, approximately 1.25 million people in the UK have an eating disorder. Around 25% affected are male. Recent NHS research showed that up to 6.4% of adults displayed signs of an eating disorder.These statistics are alarming, yet show the need for adequate services and for an understanding by professionals working across healthcare. I am pleased that places such as Steps Together recognise this need and support patients holistically, making preadmission screenings by tentatively enquiring about relationship with food.Recovery is absolutely possible with the right support! It is incredible what we are capable of doing. By making some changes, not only directly with food, but other aspects of behaviour such as learning to regulate our nervous systems differently which will lessen the desire to soothe with food or restriction.If you are struggling, please reach out for support or try one of the many 12 step groups, you are not alone, many people have overcome similar experiences.Tracy Blackmore – Eating Disorder Therapist
Why Awareness Matters
Raising awareness during Eating Disorder Awareness Week is a crucial step in breaking the stigma surrounding these disorders. Too often, people with eating disorders suffer in silence, ashamed to seek help due to fear of being judged or misunderstood. By educating the public and sharing stories of strength, we hope to encourage open conversations and reduce the stigma associated with eating disorders.
Awareness also helps to:
- Improve early detection and intervention
- Promote a deeper understanding of the psychological components of eating disorders
- Creates compassion and empathy for those experiencing difficulty
- Encourage individuals to seek professional help and support groups
Our Commitment to Recovery
At Steps Together we believe recovery from an eating disorder is possible. With the right support, guidance, and a comprehensive treatment plan, individuals can learn to manage their relationship with food, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and rebuild their self-esteem.
We offer a range of Residential and Outpatient services tailored to each individual’s needs, including:
- Therapeutic counselling: Our therapists provide one-on-one counselling sessions to explore the underlying emotional and psychological factors contributing to the disorder.
- Group therapy: Connecting with others who are going through similar experiences can foster a sense of community and support.
- Family support: Eating disorders often impact families, so providing education and support for loved ones is crucial to the recovery process.
How You Can Get Involved
This Eating Disorder Awareness Week, we encourage everyone to take action, whether you’re directly impacted or not. Here are a few ways to get involved:
- Educate yourself and others: Share information about eating disorders on social media, in conversations, and within your community. The more we know, the better equipped we are to support those in need.
- Show compassion and support: If someone you know is struggling, offer a listening ear without judgment. Encourage them to seek professional help.
- Support organisations: Donations, volunteering, and spreading the word about services that support recovery can make a difference in someone’s journey to healing.
There Is Hope
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties with an eating disorder, we want you to know that help is available. You don’t have to go through this alone. At Steps Together Group, we are committed to walking with you on the path to recovery, providing the care, understanding, and treatment that can make all the difference.
This Eating Disorder Awareness Week, let’s take a step together toward breaking the silence, offering hope, and supporting one another in the journey to healing.
Reach out to Steps Together today at www.stepstogether.co.uk or call 0330 175 7031 for a FREE and confidential discussion.
