The 2020 National Eating Disorders Awareness week takes place from February 24th to March 1st. This year’s theme Come as You Are: Hindsight is 20/20, builds upon issues highlighted in the 2019 Come as You Are celebration. The awareness week is organized and promoted by the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA).
NEDA is a nonprofit organization with a mission to support those affected. They work to spread hope by raising understanding of the issues faced by people that suffer from eating disorders; funding research related to eating disorders and providing resources to save lives.
NEDA defines an eating disorder as “a serious but treatable mental and physical illness that can affect people of all genders, ages, races, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, body shapes, and weights.” It is estimated that approximately 20 million women and 10 million men in the U.S. experience an eating disorder at some point in their lives.
The most prevalent eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Less common eating disorders include avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder, rumination disorder and pica, which involves eating or mouthing non-edible items.
The two most recognized disorders, anorexia nervosa, and bulimia nervosa, are characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight. However, all eating disorders are accompanied by abnormal, disturbed eating behaviors, and each presents serious health risks, which can prove fatal. More people die from eating disorders than from any other mental illness, according to NEDA.
Come as You Are: Hindsight is 20/20 Campaign
More than 80 famous landmarks across the United States will literally “shine a light” on eating disorders during National Eating Disorders Awareness. Iconic structures like the Empire State Building will glow with the signature blue and green colors of the National Eating Disorders Association. Collaborators are invited to light up their own business in solidarity!
The goal of NEDA’s 2020 awareness week is to educate the public about the causes, severe dangers and risk factors associated with eating disorders, as well as to provide treatment and prevention resources.
NEDA invites everyone to participate in NEDAwareness Week 2020, including eating disorder specialists, health care providers, students, educators, social workers and all individuals affected by eating disorders and committed to recovery. Especially powerful are the stories shared by those battling or in recovery from an eating disorder.
Social media is key to spreading the message. NEDA encourages everyone to share in the discussion about food, body image, exercise and myths surrounding eating disorders. Post your thoughts, experiences, helpful resources, and offer support using the campaign hashtags, #NEDAwareness & #ComeAsYouAre, and follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, Pinterest, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
How Can You Help?
Collaborate with NEDA to spread the message of hope and provide life-saving resources to those in need.
- Promote an awareness or fundraising event or find one near you.
- Share the NEDA online eating disorders screening tool with your personal and professional network.
- Share NEDA infographics, brochures, and videos to educate and inspire.
- Share your own story or the story of others through social media, by publishing an article or blog, or by speaking at an event.
Discover other ways you can promote awareness, educate and influence, and give hope and guidance to those in need. Your involvement can help save lives!
Turning Point of Tampa’s goal is to always provide a safe environment and a solid foundation in 12-Step recovery, in tandem with quality individual therapy and groups. We have been offering Licensed Residential Treatment for Addiction, Eating Disorders and Dual Diagnosis in Tampa since 1987.