And Now What

As we come to the final day of Eating Disorders Week, it seems a really good marker to ask the question ‘so what now?’.

That question is as true of yourself in recovery, as it is of ‘society’ and of the need for mandated change nationwide in how eating disorders are portrayed, diagnosed, discussed and treated.

What’s so great about an awareness week like the one we’ve just been through, is that it gives further opportunity to put such a serious topic on the map and prompt dialogue.

We at Wednesday’s Child have been on the BBC, ITV and in various publications throughout the week, and we know that even that causes a few more people to have greater understanding – or to feel more able to come forward and seek help.

But what’s so vital in the wake of an awareness week such as this, is that we must not allow the rhetoric to fade and the sense of urgency to subside again.

No matter what the calendar date or the media interest in this illness at any one time, eating disorders are still killing, still destroying individuals and families, still being poorly resourced and still increasing in frequency of suffering.

So, back to the question then….what now?

Well, if you’re struggling, surviving or suffering with this illness, know that the momentum of your recovery should be as determined beyond the awareness week as ever, and that if something you saw or read in the last seven days felt like a good prompt or motivation or reminder – then go with it. Don’t slip into old patterns and behaviours if you’re on the cusp of finally breaking through.

And if you’re someone who has found out more about the illness during this awareness week, and perhaps you’re a teacher, HR manager, grant distributor, council representative, doctor or sports coach, then use the time now to think how you could help make a difference to how this illness is tackled.

• Could you suggest a Wednesday’s Child webinar to your work colleagues?
• Could you fund some work for eating disorder sufferers in your region?
• Do your teaching staff or students need a course or some materials about the illness?
• Might you be changing the way body image and diet is discussed in your circle?

Please keep the momentum for change going.

It’s vital that eating disorder prevention and treatment are a priority in our society.