What is Eating Disorders Awareness Week?
Eating Disorders Awareness Week in the UK is backed by Beat and their mission to end the pain and suffering caused by eating disorders. Each week is focused on the encouragement of hope, support, and visibility to those affected by eating disorders. As well as improving the public’s understanding of eating disorders.
An eating disorder can include either eating too much or too little. Although anyone can be affected, it is most common in the ages between 13 and 17.
If you are concerned about yourself or a loved ones eating habits, we encourage you to get help as soon as possible. It is a difficult conversation to get started so ensure your loved one feels supported in the process. When visiting your GP, it can be a lot easier if you bring a friend or member of the family with you.
The Previous Year’s Success (2021)
The previous year’s campaign by Beat raised £73,724! It also brought forward 32 MPs signatures towards the Early Day Motion that would ensure people suffering with eating disorders would receive the treatment they need. As well as attendance from 370 healthcare/ education professionals in Beat’s masterclasses.
Hopefully this year, the campaign will continue growing throughout the country. To help spread the message, we encourage you to get involved in any way you can.
The Goal for 2022
For the Awareness Week of 2022, the campaign is to push for better training on eating disorders in medical schools and foundation programmes across the UK.
The average GP undergoes less than 2 hours of training on eating disorders throughout their entire medical degree. On top of this, a fifth of UK medical schools don’t provide any training on eating disorders.
So, what is this year’s awareness week aiming to do? To encourage us and our GPs to speak up, step up, and skill up!
With treatment, most people can recover from an eating disorder. However, we need to rely on our GP’s to spot the early warning signs. With proper training, they will be able to provide the best quality of care for those suffering with eating disorders.
Where to Get Help
The Scottish line for the Beats helpline is 0808 801 0432. Call any day 9am – midnight on weekdays, and 4pm – midnight on weekends and bank holidays. This support and information line is open to everyone.
The Beats adult helpline on 0808 801 0677 or youth helpline on 0808 801 0711.
If you feel more comfortable chatting online, visit this online web chat https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/get-information-and-support/get-help-for-myself/i-need-support-now/one-to-one-web-chat/
Or email this address: Scotlandhelp@beateatingdisorders.org.uk
