Ten per cent of people diagnosed with anorexia will be dead within 10 years.
Tomorrow kicks-off Eating Disorder Awareness Week.
Executive Director of Eating Disorder NS Michelle Boyd says they’re launching a new online peer support program.
She says that’s a way for people to talk through issues who may not want or have access to a therapist.
It will also allow them to reach people living outside major centres.
“Very often in rural communities people are less like to do it because of transportation issues,” she says.
“And because they’re worried about other people seeing them, or knowing that this is an issue for them, because there is still a lot of stigma.”
Boyd says with online support they can reach people in every part of the province.
The week t is aimed at raising awareness and providing support.
Boyd says it’s about getting people to realize the toll it has on society and debunking myths.
“That you have to look a certain way to have an eating disorder, and we get that idea because often in movies or television shows you see the young girl who is very thin,” she says.
“And that’s the image that people have of someone with an eating disorder.”
Boyd says myths like these are dangerous because it can prevent someone from looking for help.
She says eating disorders can affect anyone at any age, background, gender or body size.
We’ve provided the link to information helplines and support groups on our website.
For the full interview, listen to South Shore Sunday Morning on February 4.
For more information, contact Eating Disorders NS (902-229-8436, or info@eatingdisordersns.ca), the National Eating Disorders Information Centre HelpLine
(1-866-633-4220) or the Nova Scotia Mental Health Mobile Crisis (1-888-429-8167).
You can also access Eating Disorders NS’ Online Peer Support Group.
