Body Image and Eating Disorder Awareness Week (1-7 September)

According to the Butterfly Foundation, more than 1.1 million people in Australia experience an eating disorder in any given year.  This week serves as an important reminder of the impact these issues have on individuals and communities, and the need for continued education, support, and understanding.

This year’s theme, ‘Unpacking the Why’, explores the underlying factors behind eating disorders, encourages compassionate conversations, and promotes access to support and healing resources.

Far West Local Health District Mental Health Eating Disorders Clinician, Tillie Jarrett, said this year’s theme is a powerful reminder that eating disorders are complex mental health conditions.

“Common myths around eating disorders may lead people to feel not worthy of care or not recognise concerns,” said Tillie.

“There is not one cause of an eating disorder. This week is about asking questions, challenging stigma and creating safe spaces for honest and informed conversations.”

Tillie highlighted the experience of Lana, a local consumer who has been diagnosed with anorexia nervosa and has accessed various mental health support services, including the Adult Community Mental Health Team.

Lana bravely spoke about her experience, recalling during the most severe periods of her illness, her weight loss was often celebrated, highlighting the dangerous misconception that eating disorders can be judged on appearance alone.

She also reflected on the challenge of spending weeks away from her children while receiving inpatient treatment Lana wanted to emphasise that eating disorders are not a choice, they are complex mental health conditions.

According to the Butterfly Foundation, eating disorders develop due to a combination of biological, psychological and sociocultural factors. These can include, but are not limited to, body image concerns, dieting, anti-fat socio-cultural attitudes, trauma, sensory sensitivities, genetics, personality traits, family history, and co-occurring health conditions such as diabetes, endometriosis and others.

No matter how the eating disorder developed, recovery is truly possible.

The Butterfly National Helpline can be accessed by calling 1800 ED HOPE (1800 33 4673) or you can visit www.butterfly.org.au to chat online or via email. The helpline is available 7 days a week, from 7:30am to 11:30pm (CST).

For local support, the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) at the Community Health Centre and the Adult Community Mental Health Drug and Alcohol Team (CMHDA), based at Broken Hill Base Hospital are available to support you or someone you love who may be experiencing an eating disorder.

Please call the CAMHS team on (08) 8080 1100 or CMHDA Team on (08) 8080 1556 between 8:30am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

Other local support services available include:

• headspace Broken Hill, which offers young people from the ages 12 to 25 free and confidential mental health support. To access this service please visit 231 Blende Street, Broken Hill, NSW 2880 or call (02) 9393 9699.
• 24 hour Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511.
• Local GP services.
• Broken Hill Lifeline Counselling Service, 194 Argent St, Broken Hill, phone 08 8087 7525.
• RFDS Broken Hill Wellbeing Place, 343 Blende St, Broken Hill, phone 0439 515 247.