Eating Disorders Awareness Week

Eating Disorder Awareness Week is from February 1st to 7th and the National Eating Disorder Information Centre’s (NEDIC’s) theme for 2026 is “health doesn’t have a look”.

Eating disorders are complex mental illnesses that include physical manifestations of symptoms and are characterized by on-going disturbances in eating and eating-related behaviours. These behaviours can, over time, result in harm to one’s physical health, mental health, and psychosocial functioning. They encompass a continuum, ranging from constantly worrying about our body shape and what we eat, to clinical eating disorders, like anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa. People living with eating disorders struggle with disordered thoughts, feelings, and behaviours relating to food, eating, and/or their body.

According to the biopsychosocial model, which takes into consideration the connection between the mind, body and environment, a number of factors contribute to the development of eating disorders. These factors can be classified broadly as:

-     Biological – genetic & physiological factors

-     Psychological – for example, existing mental health conditions, emotional regulation, personality traits, etc.

-      Sociocultural – for example, the influence of family & peers, conventional beauty standards, discrimination, etc.  

Symptoms of eating disorders can be triggered in those of us who struggle with our identity in some way and of us those who have experienced trauma. In addition, like other mental illnesses, eating disorders are stigmatized, resulting in deep-seated feelings of shame.

Although eating disorders can result in serious, sometimes life-threatening, complications, there is hope because they are also treatable illnesses. Learning and practicing coping strategies to get through difficult or distressing circumstances and work through negative emotions and interpersonal difficulties are critical.  Establishing a support system and having someone safe and supportive to talk to is also key for people living with eating disorders and their loved ones.

People living with eating disorders in Nova Scotia can find a plethora of supports, in person and virtual, through Eating Disorders Nova Scotia. The National Eating Disorder Information Clinic is another in depth informational resource. Provincial clinical treatment is also available through Nova Scotia Eating Disorder Provincial Services by contacting 1-855-922-1122.

If you have questions about where to start to find information about eating disorders, you can also contact our Wellness Navigator, Julia Brown, at 782-446-1645 or wellness@wellbeinghub.ca, and she can help you get started in finding information and support.

Provincial Mental Health Crisis Line: If you or someone you care about is experiencing a mental health crisis, contact the Provincial Mental Health Crisis Line at 1-888-429-8167, available 24/7.