AUGUSTA, MAINE (February 28th, 2023) – The Maine Legislature has declared Feb. 27- March 5 Eating Disorders Awareness Week, bringing the issue to the forefront in Maine.
The resolution, passed today, was introduced by Senator Donna Bailey and will bring important awareness to the issue of eating disorders, which impacts at least 9% of Americans at some point in their lifetime.
It calls for a group approach to awareness with collaborations between people from all walks of life to encourage open and honest discussions around eating disorders that will potentially save lives.
“It’s critical that we do our part to destigmatize eating disorders and other treatable mental and physical illnesses,” says Senator Donna Bailey, sponsor of the bill. “This disorder doesn’t discriminate. It can impact anyone. The legislature aims to prioritize mental health this session.”
This issue is important now more than ever, with the National Eating Disorders Helpline seeing a 107% increase in calls since the COVID-19 pandemic. Locally, Sweetser’s New England Eating Disorder or NEED program aims to help individuals of any age struggling with eating disorders. Sweetser’s NEED Director Lindsay Susi knows the severe impact this has on those with mental illness.
“For some, food and body insecurities can feel insurmountable,” Susi said. “If you find that you, or someone you love, are struggling with concerns related to food and body, and you are looking for a professional level of support, call 207-294-4522. You are not alone. Non-judgmental help is available.”
Last year alone, Sweetser served 237 individuals with eating disorders. The NEED team provides individual, family, group and nutritional therapies as well as psychiatry and coordination of medical care with primary care providers. For more information or to begin the eating disorder recovery, visit: https://www.sweetser.org/need.
Senator Donna Bailey introducing the resolution
FULL RESOLUTION:
JOINT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING FEBRUARY 27 TO MARCH 5, 2023
AS EATING DISORDERS AWARENESS WEEK
WHEREAS, eating disorders are serious but treatable mental and physical illnesses that can affect people of all genders, ages, races, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, body shapes and weights; and
WHEREAS, while no one knows for sure what causes eating disorders, a growing consensus suggests that it is a range of biological, psychological and sociocultural factors; and
WHEREAS, in the United States, 9% of people will experience an eating disorder at some point in their lives; and
WHEREAS, eating disorders have the 2nd highest mortality rate of all mental health disorders; and
WHEREAS, the National Eating Disorders Association helpline has experienced a 107% increase in contacts since the start of the COVID‑19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS, Eating Disorders Awareness Week is a collective effort of individuals from every walk of life, including persons with lived experience, family members and friends; students, educators and coaches; and professionals, health care providers and organizations committed to raising awareness of eating disorders; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED: That We, the Members of the One Hundred and Thirty‑first Legislature now assembled in the First Regular Session, on behalf of the people we represent, take this opportunity to recognize February 27 to March 5, 2023 as Eating Disorders Awareness Week and encourage the citizens of Maine to support the annual awareness campaign to educate the public about the realities of eating disorders and to provide hope, support and visibility to individuals and families affected by eating disorders.
About Sweetser:
Sweetser is a behavioral health nonprofit that provides evidence-based treatment, support and hope through a statewide network of community-based mental health, recovery, and educational services.