Hear our Voice on World Eating Disorders Action Day, June 2
Hear our Voice on World Eating Disorders Action Day, June 2
Arising sleepy-eyed at 5.am. for an international teleconference with wide-awake women in the northern hemisphere is part of the fun of helping to arrange our world’s first ever Eating Disorders Action Day. I love it.
The first World Eating Disorders Action Day will take place on June 2, 2016 and generate information virtually around the globe.
Eating disorders, by their very nature, are isolating illnesses. I know. I was held prisoner for more than forty years. I know the importance of reaching out, sharing, giving people a Voice. I want everyone, everywhere, with eating disorder symptoms to know they are not alone, and they too can recover — at every age. This is why I am involved in the inaugural World Eating Disorders Action Day. I encourage, you to join us.
Members of the eating disorder community, including affected individuals and their families, professionals, researchers and policy makers, are uniting virtually to increase access to accurate information, eradicate myths and collectively advocate for resources and policy change.
- Eating disorders are serious, treatable illnesses that result from a complex interplay of genetics, biology and environment.
- Eating disorders affect up to 70 million people globally including people of all genders, ages, racial and ethnic identities, nationalities and documentation status, abilities, sizes, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness, yet many go untreated despite the fact that new research and methods are increasingly showing positive results for full recovery.
On the heels of the release of the groundbreaking “Nine Truths About Eating Disorders” a global grassroots effort for a World Eating Disorder Action Day has been launched to draw attention to these devastating, yet treatable disorders.
Amy Cunningham, co-founder of International Eating Disorder Action, says:
“The first ever World Eating Disorder Action Day sends a powerful message to policy makers across the globe on the need for action, underscores the fact that eating disorders don’t discriminate and at the same time gives hope for successful intervention.”
Through virtual and country specific activism, World Eating Disorders Action Day will advance the understanding of eating disorders as treatable genetically-linked illnesses that affect a large cross-section of the world’s population, embraces diversity, and raises awareness among policy makers to allocate resources and establish coherent national systems.
Furthermore, the Day offers new connections and global partnerships, grows the advocacy base and creates opportunities for additional actions for change at an international level.
A Steering Committee comprising the Academy for Eating Disorders, Author June Alexander, Beating Eating Disorders, BingeBehavior.com, Elephant in the Room Foundation, Families Empowered and Supporting Treatment of Eating Disorders/F.E.A.S.T, International Eating Disorders Action, Nalgona Positivity Pride, National Association of Males with Eating Disorders, National Eating Disorders Association, Not All Black Girls Know How to Eat and Trans Folx Fighting Eating Disorders will provide guidance and represent communities across the globe.
Contact and to join:
http://WorldEatingDisordersDay.org
Facebook: World Eating Disorders Day
Twitter: @WorldEDday and #WeDoAct
Email: WorldEatingDisorderDay@gmail.com
As founder of Life Stories Diary my prime motivation is to connect with people who want to share their story. Why? Because your story is important. My goal with this blog is to provide a platform for you to share your story with others. Building on the accomplishments of The Diary Healer the Life Stories Diary blog will continue to be a voice for people who have experienced an eating disorder, trauma or other mental health challenge, and provide inspiration through the narrative, to live a full and meaningful life.
My nine books about eating disorders focus on learning through story-sharing. Prior to writing books, which include my memoir, I had a long career in print journalism. In 2017, I graduated as a Doctor of Philosophy (Creative Writing), researching the usefulness of journaling and writing when recovering from an eating disorder or other traumatic experience.
Today I combine my writing expertise with life experience to help others self-heal. Clients receive mentoring in narrative techniques and guidance in memoir-writing. I also share my editing expertise with people who are writing their story and wish to prepare it to publication standard. I encourage everyone to write their story. Your story counts!
Contact me: Email june@junealexander.com and on Facebook and LinkedIn.
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