The end of February marks National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. February 23 to March 1 is dedicated to promoting awareness for eating disorders and educating the public on the facts about them.
According to the National Eating Disorders Association, or NEDA, thirty million Americans of all ages, races, genders, ethnicities, body shapes and weights are affected by eating disorders at some point in their lifetime. Belief in common myths surrounding eating disorders, as well as an overall lack of understanding, inhibit people affected from recognizing their condition and getting the help they need.
Not only are those diagnosed with an eating disorder at a higher risk of death due to the physical impact of the disorder, but they also have a heightened risk of suicide. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for ages 10 to 24 in the U. S. Someone’s risk of suicide can be increased when combined with other factors, including an eating disorder.
Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder are the most researched eating disorders. One in five people with anorexia nervosa will attempt suicide. People with a bulimia nervosa diagnosis are eight to nine times more likely to die by suicide when compared to the general population. Someone with binge eating disorder is five times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers without a diagnosis. Avoidant or restrictive food intake disorder, known as ARFID, other specified feeding or eating disorders, OSFED, atypical anorexia and other lesser-known eating disorders do not have enough research on possible correlations with suicidal ideation to determine their risk.
Learning the warning signs for suicide can make a difference. Recognizing the warning signs can be especially useful for those who are around someone with heightened risk factors such as an eating disorder diagnosis. For a list of warning signs and risk factors, suicide prevention modules and materials, The Jason Foundation’s website is very useful. For information on the correlation between eating disorders and suicide, visit jasonfoundation.com/eatingdisorders.
Other resources for people who think they may have an eating disorder or have received a diagnosis, include the National Eating Disorders Association’s helpline at 1-800-931-2237 or text NEDA at 741741. NEDA’s Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is 988 for both calls and texts. Find out more at nationaleatingdisorders.org.
Anyone, regardless of their background, can be affected by eating disorders, suicide or both. Familiarity with the truth about both can prepare others if and when suicide or eating disorders affect you or someone around you.
