Eating disorders thrive in isolation

Eating disorders thrive in isolation- no wonder numbers of adults & young people with bulimia and anorexia is soaring since the start of the pandemic! It’s #nedaawarenessweek and it’s never been more important to raise awareness around eating disorders as they can affect anyone, regardless of age, size, gender, race, sexuality, ability or socioeconomic status. The good news is: addressing this issue and seeking support (even online)can make a massive difference! “Eating disorders are often related to a need for control many people including young people feel they have lost during the pandemic,” said Karen Street from the Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health. "The diagnostic criteria for anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder is pretty specific. A lot of people ... live outside of those distinctions," says C.Kronengold, communications manager at NEDA. "But it doesn't mean that their problems aren't considered eating disorders or aren't just as serious." As someone who suffered from bulimia for many years, I can’t stress enough the importance of seeking help- being on your own with your eating disorder can be very harmful for your mental and physical health. There’s plenty of amazing resources out there, learn more and join @neda’s movement  #NEDAwareness Week (2/22 - 2/28/21). And if you know of anyone who might benefit from this, spread the word!