Eating Disorder Awareness Week: Talking Saves Lives

This week, February 4 – 7, is national eating disorder awareness week and many local programs are taking the opportunity to educate the communities they serve.

Richmond Eating Disorders Program, which receives over 1,400 visits a year, hosted “Healthy Family Series: Love Our Bodies, Love Ourselves” this past Tuesday evening. Jessica Begg, registered dietitian, and Colleen Wittig, registered clinical counsellor, spoke about the best ways to support, and foster, positive body images in children.

Educational programs, mostly at schools or with primary care physicians, are provided by Richmond Eating Disorder Program throughout the year. These programs help to inform individuals about eating disorders and help prevent children from developing an eating disorder.

Eating disorders affect a wide range of individuals from both genders and all age groups.

However there is a gap in those seeking treatment, most notably professionals, as individuals are worried about being seen at treatment facilities.

“As a solution, we have agreements with other programs to see clients and occasionally we meet clients off site for counselling,” notes Shelley Geislinger, coordinator of Youth Eating Disorder Program. “Confidentiality is extremely important to us.”

The program offers a comprehensive outpatient program catering to individuals ages 11 and up. Clients are assessed and offered sessions, based on their needs, with registered dietitians, therapists and physicians.

Check out National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC) for more information on eating disorder awareness week.