Eating Disorder Awareness Week (EDAW) is February 1 – 7, 2018
This year we focus on how One Size DOESN’T Fit All, to shine a light on the fact that Eating Disorders can and do affect individuals of all genders, ages, races and ethnic identities, sexual orientations and socio-economic backgrounds. Talking has the potential to save lives. We know that through open, supportive dialogue, we can help break the shame, stigma and silence that affect nearly 1 million Canadians that are living with a diagnosed eating disorder.
Eating Disorders are a mental illeness and everyone deserves support. Full recovery from an eating disorder can happen for everyone. It doesn’t matter how old or young you are, or how long the eating disorder has been part of your life. It can be a difficult journey at times, but supports are available. Anyone over 18 in Manitoba can access support through the Women’s Health Clinic (open to all genders) by calling 204.947.2422, ext. 137 (in Winnipeg) or toll-free 1.866.947.1517, ext. 137 (outside Winnipeg). Check out Eating Disorders Manitoba for more resources. Within Manitoba anyone under 18 can get support from their local Teen Clinic or health centre. You can also check out the Child & Adolescent Eating Disorders Service at the Health Science Centre by calling 204.958.9660.
Nation wide, you can access support through the National Eating Disorders Information Centre (NEDIC). They run a toll free phone line at 1-866-633-4220. It’s open 8am-8pm (Manitoba-Central time).
As always, EDAW is a truly collective effort. Provinces, territories and many municipalities are set to light notable landmarks in purple from February 1 to 7 to support eating disorder awareness – from Vancouver City Hall to the Peace Bridge in Fort Erie, ON to Charlottetown City Hall. Groups across the country are planning awareness-raising and educational activities for their communities, using the hashtags #EDAW2018 (#SemTA2018 in French) and #7billionsizes to get the word out.
