Eating Disorders

Take the first step, we are here to help!

Weight, body image and food preoccupation is very common today; eating disorders are extreme expressions of this preoccupation.

These disorders, which can affect women and men of all ages, include: anorexia, bulimia, and compulsive eating. Eating disorders can have dangerous consequences and need to be taken seriously.

A PLACE TO BEGIN:

The YWCA’s Eating Disorder Resource Center offers support and information to the community regarding eating disorders, healthy body image, and self-esteem.

AT THE YWCA YOU WILL FIND:

• Information, books, videos
• Support groups
• In-take and Referral to professional services in the area
• Prevention programs
• Guest speakers

The YWCA offers an EATING DISORDER SUPPORT GROUP for women 17 years and older recovering from Anorexia or/and Bulimia. Contact us for more information.

YWCA EVENTS:

• Eating Disorders Awareness Week (February 2011)
• Eating Disorders Symposium (Training and Awareness in the Prevention, Diagnosis, Treatment and Follow Up Care for Sufferers of Eating Disorders in April) (www.eatingdisordersmoncton.com)

SOME SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS WHICH CAN INDICATE AN EATING DISORDER:

• Increase or decrease in weight or frequent weight fluctuation not related to a medical condition.
• Feeling “fat” regardless of low weight.
• Excessive concern about weight, food, and calories.
• Intense fear of gaining weight.
• Severe and frequent dieting or fasting and cessation or irregular menstruation.
• Self induced vomiting or abuse of laxatives, diuretics, or diet pills.
• Excessive or compulsive exercising.
• Eating large quantities of food rapidly or without being hungry.
• Social withdrawal, fear of situations where there will be food.
• Irritability, frequent mood swings, or depression.
• Hands and feet that are often cold.
• Dizziness and fainting spells.
• Dressing in layers to hide weight loss.
• Frequent use of the scale.

HOW TO HELP SOMEONE WITH AN EATING DISORDER:

• Let the person know that you are concerned and that you are there to help and listen. Be patient!
• Learn your own attitudes and values about weight and appearance.
• Find out what resources are offered in your community and seek help if the person’s health is getting worse.
• Avoid power struggles about eating and weight (e.g. forcing the person to eat).
• Avoid judging or accusing the person.
• Talk about topics other than food, weight, and appearance.

OVERCOMING AN EATING DISORDER:

• There is hope, there is help! You don’t have to be alone.
• Learn about the harmful effects of eating disorders and the risks associated with dieting.
• Find out all you can about the steps leading to recovery.
• Explore the resources available in your area; don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
• Recognize the social pressures to be thin.
• Find out what it means to have balanced eating habits.
• Talk to people you can trust.

Take the first step, we are here to help!