By Sheldon Spackman

Reducing stigma through Eating Disorder Awareness Week

Feb 1, 2018 | 10:10 AM

Thursday marks the start of an international campaign aimed at building knowledge, understanding and compassion around eating disorders.

Eating Disorder Awareness Week runs February 1 – 7 and features events in Edmonton and Calgary, as well as Red Deer where central Albertans can find out more about what programs and supports are in place locally to help with those suffering through an eating disorder.

On February 3, ‘Eating Disorders – Awareness and Risk Mitigation for Fitness Professionals’ runs from noon until 4:00 p.m. at Red Deer College. The event is aimed at fitness trainers, coaches, dance instructors and studio owners to help build capacity and understanding about eating disorders in athletes, compulsive exercising and how to initiate conversations.

Sara Kreklewich is a Disordered Eating Consultant with Alberta Health Services in Red Deer and says there is a lot of stigma and shame attached to eating disorders, so more open discussion is needed to change that.

“Let people recognize or have them know it’s not a choice, it’s a very serious mental illness. Just really open up that conversation so people feel more comfortable reaching out for help and support.”

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Kreklewich adds there is an entire spectrum of eating disorders people can have such as anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder.

“There’s a strong genetic component to an eating disorder and it really, truly is a mental illness, a brain-based eating disorder. If people are struggling, the first place to contact would be mental health services,” says Kreklewich. “Eating Disorder Support Network of Alberta also has support groups available. In Edmonton and Calgary they have in-person groups available and if people are wanting to join a support group here in central Alberta, there are online support groups available.”

Kreklewich says the most important thing people can start doing now, is having those conversations about eating disorders or any other mental health concerns.

“Yesterday was Bell-Lets Talk Day and I think the timing of that is really great that Eating Disorder Awareness Week follow that. It’s important to talk about it, have conversations, reduce stigma, let people know they’re not alone when they’re struggling and just to be able to reach out for support and help.”

Kreklewich says it’s important to note that eating disorders can affect anyone.

“I think that’s a misconception is people maybe think a teenage girl or certain type, it’s all ages, genders, sexual orientation, race, it affects everyone.”

For more information on eating disorders, treatment options, support services and the resources available throughout Alberta, and on Eating Disorder Awareness Week in Red Deer, visit www.EDSNA.ca.