This we we're raising awareness around eating disorders.
This week is Eating disorder awareness week, the 11th – 17th of February. This is a chance to raise awareness and understanding about such a serious mental illness, and to challenge the stereotypes of mental illness and eating disorders.
Eating disorders often develop when food is used to cope with emotional problems, like feeling bored, unhappy, ashamed or lonely and are often triggered by stressful situations.
These are some of the more common signs of spotting eating disorders:
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Your friend or relative may show signs of an eating disorder by behaving very differently from usual. They may appear to not want to socialize or become a recluse / withdrawn. They may also get defensive and angry at times which may feel confusing to them and you.
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They make excuses in order to not eat, and have lost a significant amount of weight, which they will not admit to when asked.
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They may see themselves as ‘fat’ when in fact they aren’t and may be exercising a lot more than usual.
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If someone is suffering from bulimia, they may disappear soon after a meal in order to make themselves sick.
[Please note, that these are just common signs not a formal diagnosis.]
SRSH
The Union has just set up a new support group for students who are suffering or have suffered from an eating disorder. This group is run by two trained facilitators. The group will run 6pm-7pm every two week; the next session is Monday 18th February. The sessions will be held in the SU Advice centre, all sessions will be confidential. If you would like more information please email SRSH@swansea-union.co.uk for more information on SRSH click here
If you are worried you have an eating disorder please contact this confidential email address:swansea@srsh.co.uk for more information on the SRSH group sessions or to get involved in the campaign team please email the non-confidential email address : SRSH@swansea-union.co.uk
Fundraiser
Mental Wealth society is also holding a fundraiser on Wednesday to raise money for a nationwide charity called B-eat, which supports all people with eating disorders. The fundraiser is called ‘Sock it to Eating Disorders’ and the aim is to get all of your friends, work colleagues, family and anyone you know to wear your craziest socks and donate £1 towards supporting those with eating disorders.
Watch out for them around Fulton house!
Useful Links:
http://www.swansea-union.co.uk/advice/health/
http://www.SRSH.co.uk
http://www.facebook.com/groups/228528003860872/?fref=ts