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Eating Disorders Awareness Week

February 24th - March 2nd

Eating Disorders Awareness Week is a time to focus on educating the public about eating disorders – to provide information, support, visibility, and hope to everyone affected by eating disorders. This year, EDAW runs from Feb. 24th through Mar. 2nd with a theme of unifying through community and connection. A theme that is near and dear to all of us at ANAD who remain committed to building an inclusive, welcoming community for all to heal! 

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Student Involvement
ANAD Day of Conversation Graphic with Green Speech Bubble.
Thursday, February 27th, 2025 / Starting at 9am ET

ANAD Day of Conversation

Uniting through connection and community, ANAD is teaming with other mental health nonprofits and organizations to expand the scope of eating disorder awareness this February. We will stream via Zoom, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for 12 hours of non-stop conversations dedicated to breaking the stigma, stereotypes, and silence of eating disorders.

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Learn About Eating Disorders

Explore the statistics surrounding eating disorders.
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Learn more about warning signs of eating disorders and how to hold the initial conversations.
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In addition to our weekly support groups, our helpline volunteers are available Monday-Friday from 9a-9p CT at 1-888-375-7767.
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We’re always looking for volunteers! Visit our Get Involved page to learn more or to complete an interest form.
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ANAD Day of Conversation

History of Eating Disorders Awareness Week

Eating Disorders Awareness Week (EDAW) was established to bring attention to the prevalence of eating disorders, reduce stigma, and provide education on prevention and treatment. Its origins trace back to the 1980s, when mental health advocates began organizing events to shed light on eating disorders like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder. Over time, these efforts grew into a coordinated annual campaign observed in many countries. The week encourages dialogue, empowers individuals struggling with these conditions, and highlights the importance of early intervention and proper care.

Formation of the National Association of ANAD
ANAD became one of the first organizations in the United States dedicated to addressing eating disorders. Its advocacy efforts laid the groundwork for public campaigns like Eating Disorder Awareness Week.
First National Eating Disorders Awareness Week
1987 marked the first Eating Disorders Awareness week, the first coordinated effort to promote awareness of eating disorders on a national scale. Events included educational workshops and media campaigns.
Expansion to International Eating Disorder Awareness Efforts
By February 2000, Eating Disorders Awareness Week had expanded internationally. Countries like Canada and the UK began organizing similar campaigns in the same month, uniting global efforts to combat stigma and promote treatment access.
Social Media Integration
In February 2012, campaigns began leveraging social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter to amplify the reach of Eating Disorders Awareness Week. Hashtags such as #EDAW and #EatingDisorderAwareness allowed for wider participation and sharing of resources.
Focus on Diversity and Inclusion
The campaign in February 2021 emphasized the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities, aiming to address the stigma and barriers to treatment among BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and other underrepresented groups.
September 1982
February 1987
February 2000
February 2012
February 2021

Student Awareness for Eating Disorders Awareness Week

Students, want to help raise awareness at your school this year? Check out these fun ideas for theme days or visit our Student Ambassador Page for other ways to get involved!

Theme Days for EDAW

Help us build a bigger community!

We believe that people heal better when they know they’re not alone. This belief in community is central to our core values, our programs, and embedded in everything we do. With your support, we can continue to expand our community so that nobody ever has to recover alone again!

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Event

EDAW Events

EDAW Events FEB 26: Yoga + Recovery ChatJoin ANAD and our friends at Eat Breathe Thrive for Yoga + Recovery Chats. The theme for February is…

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Information

Project EDSA

Struggling with anorexia nervosa? Learn about symptoms, causes, and recovery options to support yourself or a loved one on the path to healing.

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Yoga

  • Reconnect with one’s body
    • Promotes mind-body connection, awareness of self, and acceptance.
  • Stress and anxiety reduction
    • Yoga activates the parasympathetic nervous system, counteracting our body’s stress responses.
    • Deep, slow breathing can reduce cortisol  levels (stress hormone) and help calm our minds.
  • Intentional movement
    • Yoga provides a space to mindfully enjoy movement and explore a healthy form of exercise.
  • Long term healing
    • Provides a practice to safely and sustainably lean into.
  • A space for community and support
    • Oftentimes, yoga is done in a group setting, which can increase feelings of connection and lower feelings of loneliness.

After the completion of 7–12 yoga classes, a statistically significant decrease in anxiety, depression, and body image disturbance was seen (Hall et al., 2016).

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Some classes are targeted for rigorous exercise, such as “heated flow” or “power flow.” Please be mindful with what you practice, and look for “slow flow,” “yin,” “vinyasa,” and “restorative” yoga in non-heated rooms.

Music

  • Music can have a powerful effect on people’s mood

    • listening to uplifting or calming songs can help reduce stress and anxious feelings.
  • Music stimulates the limbic system, the part of our brain responsible for processing emotions
    • music triggers the release of serotonin and dopamine, which are associated with reducing feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress (which are often associated with eating disorders)
  • Slow tempo music has been shown to decrease cortisol, our stress hormone, as well as lower blood pressure and reduce heart rate.
  • Music increases the brains neuroplasticity, enhancing brain functions like mood regulation, decision making, and memory.

A study done by Mindlab International revealed that the song “Weightless” by Marconi Union resulted in a 65% reduction in participants’ overall anxiety (Dr. David Lewis-Hodgson).

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  • Ludovico Einaudi
  • Claude Debussy
  • Johann Sebastian Bach
  • José González
  • Laraaji
  • Bill Evans
  • Vance Joy
  • The Paper Kites
  • Moby
  • Tycho

Aromatherapy

  • Aromatherapy can be a helpful, low- cost (or free) tool for people managing eating disorders.
  • Aromatherapy involves using essential oils to help manage emotions and restore balance.
  • Scents can help ground people, encouraging mindfulness about physical and emotional sensations.
  • Can promote a tranquil environment and give a sense (& scent) of peace.
    • creates an atmosphere for individuals to feel safe in processing emotions

Lavender has been shown to reduce anxiety levels. It is seen as a “anxiolytic” solution to providing a coping method for those with anxiety disorders (Yoo & Park, 2023).

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  • Lavender: calm, sleep, relax
  • Chamomile: calm
  • Rose: anxiety reduction
  • Lemon: energy, nausea reduction, concentration
  • Orange: brighten, uplift
  • Jasmine: anxiety reduce, sleep
  • Peppermint: alertness
  • Ylang ylang: calming, stress and anxiety reduction
  • Rosemary: focus

Art

  • Art can help provide a safe space for communication.
  • It can promote a sense of relaxation, and become a calming, meditative like experience (especially in “flow state”).
  • Gives an outlet and coping mechanism for managing difficult emotions.
  • Helps develop healthy habits and routines for self-management.
  • Increases an individuals sense of awareness and understanding of their emotions and thoughts.

Art can boost cognitive function, emotional resilience and self-confidence. It has also been shown to reduce stress and aid in conflict resolution (Hudson University, 2024).

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  • Coloring books
  • Digital coloring or drawing
  • Collaging
  • Sketchbook/journaling/ diary
  • Painting
  • Water coloring
  • Air dry clay (model magic) or traditional clay (ceramics)
  • Photography (use your phone!)
  • So much more!

Creative Journaling & Writing

  • Journaling allows space for self reflection, and emotional release.
  • Free writing can help you connect to your inner voice without judgment.
    • This can look like a steam on consciousness, a short story, or even poetry.
  • Both of these can give you space to problem solve, and look at a situation from a new angle.
  • Try out a prompt, or guided writing exercise if free writing isn’t your thing.
    • Examples & resources below!

Positive writing has been shown to promote positive emotions, as well as positive cognitive mechanisms in the general population (Lai et al., 2023).

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  • What are three things I’m grateful for today?
  • Write a letter to your future self. What do you want to tell them?
  • Write about a positive affirmation you want to start telling yourself.
  • How do you like to relax? Write about your favorite way to unwind.
  • What does “peace” look like to you? How can you bring more of it into your life?
  • What is something that always makes you laugh or brings you joy?

Self-Care / Self-Talk

Positive Self Talk

  • Positive affirmations are short, encouraging statements that can help build our self-esteem and challenge negative thoughts.
  • Repeating these statements daily can help foster a more loving relationship with yourself over time.
    • “Mirror-work” is when you look into the mirror and say kind, positive affirmations to yourself. It might feel awkward at first.
    • Try statements such as “I am enough,” “I am deserving of all the good things life has to offer,” or “I am strong, capable, and confident in everything I do.”
  • This can help build mental resilience, making it easier to cope with challenges and setbacks.
  • They can elevate your mood and promote a more optimistic view of life.
  • They help build confidence and self-worth by focusing on your strengths and capabilities.

Self Care

  • Self-care directly impacts emotional, psychological, and physical well-being.
  • Engaging in regular self care practices helps maintain balance and resilience, ensuring we can cope with life’s challenges.
  • Regular self-care allows the body and mind to recover, recharge, and maintain a sense of calm.
  • Taking care of yourself helps prevent burnout by ensuring you have the energy and mental capacity to meet the demands of life.
    • Without regular self care, you may become overwhelmed, leading to fatigue, frustration, and decreased productivity.
  • Giving yourself mental space helps clear your mind, improving focus, decision-making, and problem-solving.
  • Allows you to engage in activities that bring you joy, pleasure, and fulfillment. These experiences elevate mood and provide moments of peace and happiness.

Positive Self Talk

Affirming personal values has been linked to boosting ones happiness and meaning in life (Nelson et al., 2014). MRI’s show that self- affirmations affect brain activity! (Cascio et al., 2015).

Self Care

“Engaging in a self- care routine has been clinically proven to reduce or eliminate anxiety and depression, reduce stress, improve concentration, minimize frustration and anger, increase happiness, improve energy and more. From a physical health perspective, it has also been clinically proven to reduce heart disease, stroke and cancer” (Glowiak, 2024).

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POSITIVE SELF TALK

 

SELF CARE

  • Up to personal preference, ideas listed in the guide
  • Sleep: Make sure you get enough hours in
  • Making time for hobbies: painting, gardening, etc.
  • Doing chores: cleaning dishes, doing laundry, cleaning space, decluttering
  • Spending time outdoors: taking nature walks, sitting in a park
  • Being with people you love: friends, family, partners
  • Reading or learning: something of interest, and limiting technology/screen time
  • Personal care: shower, bath, deep breathing, meditation, massaging
  • Treating yourself: occasionally indulging yourself with something you love (ex: buying a new book, or a coffee from your favorite shop)
  • Mental care: attending peer support groups (for free with ANAD!), going to therapy (we can help connect you with someone)