As part of Eating Disorders Awareness week Feb. 3 to 9, the Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Eating Disorders Coalition (EDC) held its 11th annual Faces of Recovery panel discussion on Feb. 5, at the Best Western Royal Brock Hotel and Conference Centre here.
Roughly 70 men and women took part in the discussion, including those who were recovering from an eating disorder themselves, or had a friend or family member who is/has struggled with one.
Many tears and emotions came out as the four panelists shared their stories and experiences.
Darryl shared a touching story about his 19-year-old daughter who is recovering from an eating disorder. Darryl’s story brought many tears not only to himself, but many guests.
Next was Sarah, who began her talk with tears falling down her cheek from Darryl’s story, and thinking back to her own.
Sarah is recovering from anorexia.
Bill shared his story about his battle with more than one eating disorder, while going through other personal struggles at the same time.
Bill’s stressed that treatment is mainly aimed at women, which made it harder for him to come forward, and people tend not to acknowledge that men may also be suffering from an eating disorder.
Last but not least was Karen, who battled anorexia and bulimia, and now has her own private practice and loves having a job where she can relate to her clients.
“Our panelists tonight are committed to breaking the silence; talking and speaking their respective truths is indeed an act of courage and strength,” said April Gates, program coordinator of the eating disorders program at Homewood, and chair of Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph EDC.
After each of the four panelists shared their story, there was a question and answer period, during which guests could ask the panelists questions and seek advice.
Guests were also given the opportunity to mingle and support one another.
Inspiring and informative posters were set up throughout the room, displaying helpful information on the many types of eating disorders – including the fact that eating disorders hold the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric illness.
One poster in particular, made by the National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC), really impressed Gates.
“This awareness poster addresses the seriousness of this illness and the need to save lives by breaking the silence,” said Gates.
Community groups organized the event, as the coalition is a non-profit group, and receives no government funding. They are always accepting donations and welcome fundraising ideas.
“I really feel that eating disorders are a poor cousin of mental health funding across Canada,” Gates said.
Gates told the Advertiser there are currently 21 beds at Homewood; only two are fully OHIP funded, and the other 19 are through extended health insurance or self-paid.
“It is imperative that more funds be channeled into the prevention and treatment of eating disorders,” Gates said.
The Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph EDC is in its 11th year of providing eating disorder resources to the community and spreading awareness.
For more information about the EDC or eating disorders, visit www.eatingdisorderscoalition.ca, www.nedic.ca, or www.whatseatingyou.com.
