Take action with us on today’s World Eating Disorders Action Day
Body image and difficulties with eating impact 20% of Australians at some stage across their adolescence or early adulthood and they do no not discriminate!
People of all genders, orientations, races and socioeconomic classes can be affected.
Early action is important because if left untreated, the unhealthy preoccupation with eating, exercise and body weight or shape can become potentially life-threatening.
The good news is, recovery is most likely when evidence-based treatment is accessed as early as possible.
How can you take action this June 2?
This year, on World Eating Disorders Action Day, #ShareYourStory on social media and follow or share the conversation via the hashtag #WeDoActNow.
In this way, we can help shine the light on eating disorders and the need for more action to be taken to increase the capacity for evidence-based treatment and support for caregivers.
Breaking down the stigma is one important step toward creating change.
What support is available in your community?
Sonder is funded by the Adelaide Primary Health Network (PHN) to deliver the emerge program from locations in Edinburgh North and Onkaparinga.
In the emerge program, Clinicians provide treatment tailored to individuals within the 16-25 year old age range; a time when young people’s relationship with food and their body can have an impact on their development and engagement with life.
The program works within an early intervention framework and aims to prevent emerging eating issues from developing into chronic disorders.
Mental Health Clinician, Eloisa Steen explains “lots of young people think they “aren’t sick enough” to access treatment, but really, getting in touch to talk about it early, gives us the best chance to work together towards recovery.”
Within emerge, the young person, their family or significant other, clinicians, care coordinators and peer support and functional recovery workers work together as a team towards the young person’s goals with a focus on wellness and recovery.
Luke Pritchard, Mental Health Clinician in the Onkaparinga team, emphasises “involving support people in care is really important and encourages friends and families of young people to reach out to emerge program if they are worried.”
Want to get in touch?
Young people with an eating disorder can call Sonder Edinburgh North or Onkaparinga to self-refer to emerge.
Alternatively, young people can be referred by their GP, school, health or community worker.
For further information, contact Sonder on (08) 8209 0700 and ask to speak with one of our friendly clinicians or visit sonder.net.au/programs/emerge