Iowa’s Eating Disorders Awareness Week Announced; Local Resources Available

The Eating Disorder Coalition of Iowa (EDCI) has announced they will be offering a plethora of programming and events during the Eating Disorders Awareness Week (EDAW), which will be running from February 24th - March 5th, 2023.

For those unaware, EDAW is a national event in which organizations from around the country provide education, resources, and awareness to communities in the realm of eating disorders. The Oxford Dictionary defines an "eating disorder" as: "any of a range of mental conditions in which there is a persistent disturbance of eating behavior and impairment of physical or mental health." For those who have never experienced one personally, or seen a loved one suffer, it can be difficult to grasp exactly what one is.

Events for Eating Disorders Awareness Week:

The EDCI detailed some of the events for the week in a press release released on January 4th:

On February 25th, 2023, EDCI will host a FREE yoga and meditation session for the public to restore, reset and relax the body and mind. This event will be held as part of our third annual Eating Disorder Awareness “Not a Walk.” The goal of EDCI’s “Not a Walk” event is to bring awareness to eating disorders while encouraging a more peaceful and grounded relationship with the body and movement.

More information about the "Not a Walk" Yoga event can be found on EDCI's website, as well as more information about their workshop.

Eating Disorder Treatment in Dubuque:

For this in Dubuque or the Tri-State area that find themselves suffering from anorexia, bulimia, or another eating disorder, know that there are local resources available to help you. Harbour Wellness & Counseling Center is an independent mental health counseling practice located on Century Drive. Similarly, NAMI Dubuque provides mental health services to patients old and young.

The website "Psychology Today" also allows you to search for specific therapists across America. A quick search shows there are multiple qualified professionals right here in Dubuque who specialize in eating disorders.

More About EDCI:

EDCI serves as a beacon of hope, understanding, and healing for those impacted by eating disorders. They are led by a board of volunteers and, according to their website, work to:

• Increase awareness and understanding of eating disorders.
• Expand the expertise of treatment providers.
• Advocate for structural and systemic changes in eating disorder and diet culture.\
• Support those impacted by eating disorders.

Find out more about EDCI on their website, and if you need more serious assistance, consider the Eating Disorders Helpline.