National Eating Disorder Awareness Week
By Michelle Lunger
Last week was National Eating Disorder Awareness week! In honor of last week, we wanted to share some resources for those in need of ED treatment or support. If you are currently struggling with an eating disorder or have in the past, just know you are not alone and you deserve the care and support you need!
Before we get into the resources, I’d like to share a bit of my journey with ED treatment and getting diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder (BED). I am currently in “remission”, but it has not been an easy journey. In 2022 I was officially diagnosed with BED and was admitted into a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)/ Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Throughout my time there, I worked with a dietician, had eating support, daily meal check ins, learned coping skills, and worked individually with a therapist. The program was not cheap, but thankfully I had good insurance at the time. If I didn’t I definitely would not have been able to afford treatment.
That is why it is necessary to share a wide range of resources for ED care to ensure that treatment can be as accessible as possible - especially for those who have barriers to treatment . Dietitians aren’t always covered by insurance because of the stigma associated with eating disorders. Post treatment, I had trouble paying out of pocket regularly for a dietician because my insurance only offered to cover a couple of sessions per year. This limited my access to care and I had to see my dietician in half sessions and less frequently. I hope that by spreading awareness to ED resources and nonprofit organizations, we can help break the stigma surrounding EDs and make ED care more accessible.
Resources:
National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA):
The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) is a leading eating disorders organization, and works to advance research, community building, and awareness to support the nearly 30 million people who will experience an eating disorder in their lifetimes. We work to realize a world that better understands and supports those who struggle with resources, compassion and hope.
Virtual evidence-based ED care and treatment. Treating children, teens, and adults in all 50 states. The providers are trained to treat all eating disorders as well as co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, OCD, etc. They are in-network with most insurance plans.
Virtual or In-person personalized treatment covered by most insurances. Affordable, even possibly free care through insurance. Trauma informed dietitians and care.
ANAD:
“We believe people heal better when they know they’re not alone. As the leading nonprofit in the U.S., ANAD is a free peer support community that is here to help anyone struggling with an eating disorder.”
ANAD is the leading nonprofit in the U.S. that provides free, peer support services to anyone struggling with an eating disorder, regardless of age, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, or background.
Leading Eating Disorder Awareness Project for AAPI (LEAP):
“LEAP aspires to empower AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) individuals impacted by eating disorders, offering a supportive space and culturally informed resources for a relatable journey to recovery.”
National movement for affirming, accessible, and affordable mental healthcare for people with eating disorders.
If you are struggling with an ED, are inquiring about a diagnosis or a care team, in need of treatment or support, don’t know where to start, etc. Just know that you are not alone and you deserve to get the help and care you need. Please reach out to a helpline as soon as possible to take initiative in taking care of your mental health. Although we are not medical professionals, we are here to guide you in the right direction! Your healing matters, you matter.
Helplines:
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ANAD Helpline: 1 (888) 375-7767
Monday-Friday, 9am-9pm CT -
National Alliance for Eating Disorders Helpline: 1 (866) 662-1235
Monday-Friday, 9am-7pm ET -
Diabulimia Helpline: 1 (425) 985-3635
F.E.A.S.T provides support and education resources to parents and caregivers of loved ones impacted by eating disorders.
If you are in crisis, call or text Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988 [Spanish speaking services and for Deaf & Hard of Hearing]
or text Crisis Text Line: “HOME” to 741-741. [Spanish speaking services]
