eNewsletter - March 2024
Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2024: Get in the Know
By: Jacqueline Sierzega, PsyD | Manager of Eating Disorder Services and Doctoral Training
According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), 9% of the U.S. population, or 28.8 million Americans will suffer from an eating disorder in their lifetime. Worldwide, over 22% of children and adolescents show signs of disordered eating habits and one person dies from an eating disorder every 52 minutes. Eating disorders is one of the most fatal psychiatric diseases.
Organized by the NEDA, Eating Disorders Awareness Week (EDAW) is an annual campaign focused on education of the public about the realities of eating disorders. Taking place Monday, Feb. 26 – Sunday, March 3, 2024, the week also aims to give hope, support and increased visibility to everyone affected by eating disorders.
The importance of awareness. This year’s commemoration is focused on increasing public awareness of eating disorders by Getting in the Know. The week provides an opportunity for the healthcare community to focus their efforts on learning more about eating disorders, raising awareness, and sharing information and resources with those who may be at risk of an eating disorder or who know someone who is.
Ways you can get involved. Considering the growing need to increase awareness of eating disorders and the community support available, Linden Oaks Behavioral Health, part of Endeavor Health, encourages the community to participate in one of the following during EDAW:
Join us for This is My Brave: Linden Oaks is a proud sponsor of This is My Brave – The Show, a live and streaming event during EDAW. A cast of 21 shares their lived experiences through song, dance, poetry and more. This Is My Brave empowers individuals to share personal stories to inspire others to share their own. Learn more and purchase tickets at thisismybrave.org.
Linden Oaks Recovery Celebration - Save the Date: Mark your calendars for Linden Oak’s Recovery Celebration on May 20, 2024 from 5:30-8 PM. This celebration of people in recovery from eating disorders will be held at Linden Oaks and includes inspiring recovery speakers and music. The event strives to build hope for those still in treatment. For more information, please contact Jennifer Trivelli, Business Development Liaison for Addictions and Eating Disorder Services at Jennifer.Trivelli@EEHealth.org or 331-221-5203.
Finding more support. Linden Oaks is available to discuss treatment options for any level of behavioral healthcare, including assessment and treatment of eating disorders. If you know someone who would benefit from talking with someone about their treatment options related to eating disorders or another concern, please encourage them to contact our 24/7 Help Line at 630-305-5027 or complete our Assessment Request Form and one of our staff will contact them to assist.