NEDA’s annual National Eating Disorders Awareness Week runs from February 24th to March 1st, 2020. This year’s theme is Come As You Are: Hindsight Is 20/20. This builds off of 2019’s event theme, Come As You Are. To invite someone to “come as you are” indicates acceptance and inclusivity. NEDA wished to validate and encourage all people to tell their stories, regardless of gender identity, ability, body shape, sexual orientation, weight, race, religion, socioeconomic status, or stage of body acceptance and eating disorder recovery. This year’s addition of the subtitle Hindsight Is 2020 reflects that recovery is not a linear process. Healing from an eating disorder inevitably involves setbacks, but even challenges can spur growth towards self-acceptance.
Ways to Participate in National Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2020
For more information on each of these ways to get involved, visit NEDA’s website and follow them on social media.
Become a NEDAwareness Week Collaborator
This is an ideal opportunity for companies, schools, media organizations and more to help call attention to the prevalence of eating disorders and treatment options. In past years, dozens of colleges and universities participated in NEDAwareness Week, many as official partners.
Engage and Share on Social Media
Use hashtags #NEDAwareness and #ComeAsYouAre to spread the word. Visit here for shareable graphics and messages.
Courtesy of NEDA
Be a Landmark Photographer
From Hawaii to Maine, Alaska to Florida, and everywhere in between, over 100 buildings will be lit up with NEDA’s signature colors during National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. Volunteer to take photos of the lights!
Engage with the Conversation on Facebook
NEDA will host two Facebook Live events. On Tuesday, February 25, 2020, at 2:00 pm ET, join a panel of experts as they discuss Where Is the Field? to explore progress, gaps, and opportunities in eating disorders treatment. And on Thursday, February 27, 2020, the conversation focuses on Where Is the World? to delve into the larger society. Where can we as a culture address diet culture, weight bias, body acceptance, and eating disorders?
Attend Local Events in Your Community
Locally-based events are currently scheduled all across the country during NEDAwareness Week. These events include inclusive yoga classes, fundraising theater performances, presentations, workshops, and even lobbying at the New York State Capitol. Check here for updated listings to see what is happening in your community.
NEDA Is an Invaluable Resource
NEDA is a leading nonprofit organization serving individuals and families affected by eating disorders. The organization raises awareness and provides education, advocacy, and support. This work is crucial, as eating disorders have the highest mortality rate compared to any other mental illness. Each year, NEDA hosts several awareness days and weeks; in addition to NEDAwareness Week, prominent events include Weight Stigma Awareness Week and NEDA Walks organized around the country.
As awareness of eating disorders increases, so does understanding the significant role of eating disorders treatment. Center for Discovery offers many inclusive, evidence-based treatment options. Learn more here.
About the Author
Barbara Spanjers, MS MFT is a therapist and wellness coach who helps people feel more attuned with food and their body.