Feb. 26 through March 3 is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week and Northern Light Acadia Hospital is taking the opportunity to raise awareness and share important information about eating disorders with our communities. Did you know…
• 9 percent of the US population – or 28.8 million Americans – will experience an eating disorder at some point in their lives.
• Eating disorders have the second highest mortality rate of any mental illness, with the risk of death being highest in anorexia nervosa.
• Eating disorders are complex medical and mental illnesses. Genetic, biological, environmental, and social factors all can play a role.
A commonly held misconception about eating disorders is that they are a lifestyle choice. Eating disorders are actually serious and often fatal illnesses and can affect anyone, regardless of age, size, gender, race, sexuality, ability, and more. Common eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder.
The good news is early intervention can make all the difference. Getting treatment early in the course of an eating disorder greatly improves the chances of recovery. If you or someone you love is struggling with an eating disorder, don’t wait to get help.
“During this National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, it’s crucial that we bring awareness, and offer education and resources, to community members, medical providers, friends, and families,” says Sara Porter, LCSW, clinical supervisor, Pediatric Outpatient Services, Northern Light Acadia Hospital. “This is not a hopeless illness; however, early intervention is key. For those who are battling this eating disorder, we stand with you and hold hope for you. For those who are in their recovery phase, please continue sharing your story and journey to bring awareness to this disorder and offering a gift of hope to our communities.”
In honor of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, Acadia Hospital is lighting up in green for the week, turning our rooftop lights to green to bring attention to this important cause.
Through its Eating Disorders Treatment Program, Acadia Hospital offers a number of important resources for anyone struggling with an eating disorder. With individual, family, and group therapy options, nutrition counseling, medication management, and more, Acadia’s trained and dedicated team of experts can help. To learn more, visit our website at northernlighthealth.org/Acadia_EDTP.
