Eating Disorders Awareness Week: Discussing the facts and fiction of eating disorders

Monday 24th February to Sunday 2nd March 2025 marks Eating Disorder Awareness Week (EDAW). Eating Disorders are serious mental health conditions, yet there continues to be stigma and misconceptions surrounding these illnesses that can prevent those affected from seeking necessary help and support.

This EDAW we sat down with eating disorder practitioner Joanne Aiken to find out more about:
- Different types of eating disorders
-Common misconceptions
-The impact of social media on disordered eating
-Looking after your relationship with food
-Seeking help and support
Write your awesome label here.

Help and Support:

GP: We would always recommend that a GP is the first port of call for someone hoping to access eating disorder support as this is the only means to be referred to NHS Eating Disorder Services. The GP will assess an individual’s mental and physical health, conduct any necessary tests and make an appropriate referral to relevant NHS services. They may also explore medication options, make dietetics referrals or request input from other multidisciplinary practitioners.  

AMH EveryBODY:
AMH EveryBODY provides support and information to people with eating disorders as well as their family and friends. They will ensure that individuals are signposted to support services, as appropriate e.g. GP, Specialist Eating Disorder services, community/voluntary services. Website: https://www.amh.org.uk/services/amh-everybody/  

The Laurence Trust:
The Laurence trust aims to support men struggling with eating disorders to get support, medical care and information to help them recover. https://www.thelaurencetrust.co.uk/  

FightED:
FightED provides support and advice to parents and carers who have a loved one suffering from an eating disorder. Website: https://fighted.org/  

Lifeline:
Lifeline is a free 24/7 crisis response helpline service for those experiencing distress or despair. Lifeline is there to help 24 hours a day and can be contacted on: 0808 808 8000  

For more information on support services in Northern Ireland, visit the ‘signposting’ section on our Workplace Wellbeing Hub.

Action Mental Health have a wealth of blogs, articles and news updates on their website. 

Visit amh.org.uk to find out more.