World Eating Disorders Action Day

Through open and supportive dialogue during World Eating Disorders Action Day and beyond, we can help break the cycle of shame, stigma and silence that leads to inaction around these diseases.

Before COVID-19, eating disorders had one of the highest mortality rates of any mental illness. Now, with routines upended and isolation at its peak, the journey toward wellness is even more arduous for some. Amber St. Louis spoke with Wendy Preskow, president and founder the National Initiative for Eating Disorders (NIED), for our magazine, Catalyst.

Recovery is the goal, but the process to get there has proven challenging for many years.

Sonia Kumar-Seguin knew this from her own lived experience. Frustrated with the lack of services for women living with eating disorders in Canada, she had an idea to bridge the gap and offer a lasting, transformative change in services. The SPARK Knowledge Translation Program played a large role in her journey to put her idea into practice. This is her story.

Full recovery from an eating disorder is possible with the right treatments and supports. NIED’s list of resources includes options for immediate support, interactive tools, and a variety of other programs. The National Eating Disorder Education Centre also offers many helpful resources, including a helpline and a list of COVID-19-related information, events, and support.