National Eating Disorder Awareness Week

By Megan Bartlett

“Food is the vital way we celebrate anything that matters—a birthday, a new job, an anniversary; it’s how we mark the connections between us, how we celebrate life.” So says British author and cook Nigella Lawson in her latest cookbook, Feast. Her words call to mind wonderful images of close friends, laughter, and good times. Yet for those of us who suffer from an eating disorder, food brings anything but happiness; meal times and social events are often associated with anxiety, anger, depression, or guilt. We may obsess over what we should and should not eat, how many calories we consume, and what people are thinking when they see us eat certain foods. For those of us with disordered eating, food is no longer an enjoyable part of a gathering; it is a feared and reviled nemesis.

Each year, during National Eating Disorders Awareness (NEDA) Week, we are encouraged to educate ourselves and others about the characteristics and emotional effects of eating disorders such as Anorexia, Bulimia, and Binge Eating Disorder. The knowledge to be gained is invaluable; it may increase our sensitivity to those who have an eating disorder or even give us the courage to reach out to someone in need.

Throughout NEDA Week (Feb. 27th through March 3rd), the Women’s Center and the Health Center will provide information about Anorexia and Bulimia at a table in the CUB. On Monday the 27th, Gettysburg alumna Megan Bartlett (Class of ’99), who has dealt with Binge Eating Disorder for many years, will be available with information about the characteristics and possible origins of this lesser-known eating disorder. Megan is also looking for people who are willing to share their experiences with B.E.D. for a book she is writing on the topic. If interested, please stop by the table on Monday or email her at megansbook2006@yahoo.com.

In addition to the information provided in the CUB, the following reputable websites are excellent resources about eating disorders and treatment options:

National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)
www.nationaleatingdisorders.org

National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD)
www.anad.org

Anorexia Nervosa & Related Eating Disorders (ANRED)
www.anred.com

There are many of us for whom food continues to be more foe than friend. National Eating Disorders Awareness Week provides an opportunity to do battle against the real enemies: ignorance and insensitivity. Through our increased awareness of eating disorders and compassion for each other, we can more easily imagine a day when all of us experience food as a celebration of life.