National Initiative for Eating Disorders

Winter holidays can be challenging, particularly for those coping with disordered eating. Watch as NEDIC - National Eating Disorder Information Centre and Sheena's Place explore ways to draw on social support, and coping strategies to manage difficulties such as grief, isolation, and diet culture that may be particularly heightened this year. Also covered are the support and programs available across Canada. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Nse5OQ-xe4&feature=youtu.be

Christmas, Chanukah, Ramadan...Holidays in any culture or religion are difficult for those with Eating Disorders. Read our latest blog on the challenges of having an eating disorder around holidays https://nied.ca/holidays-and-eating-disorders/ If you or a loved one is struggling don’t be afraid to reach out. The National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC) website is a great resource for those looking for help in Canada. www.nedic.ca

Eating disorders are recognized as affecting people of all ages, genders, and socio-economic levels. But are the needs of people in midlife having their needs addressed in care? Read Ellen's experience of receiving treatment with peers half her age. https://uncexchanges.org//how-can-we-address-the-needs-of/

While many of us look forward to the holiday season, for some, like those impacted by a mental health condition like eating disorders, it can be an incredibly difficult time. Loved ones can be an instrumental support system in helping to ease concerns and reduce anxiety this holiday season. If you’re wondering how exactly you can help, here are some tips that have proven beneficial for the loved ones of someone struggling with an eating disorder. https://www.waldeneatingdisorders.com//eating-disorders-t/

During this holiday season, NIED is providing comfort and warmth through our Hand Knit Hope Program. This is how we give back to the eating disorders community who has supported us for many years. Hand Knit Hope was started by one of NIED's early volunteers, Alex, who realized the therapeutic nature of knitting and crocheting through her own Eating Disorder treatment in Toronto. "I started the program because I was inspired by the women I met in treatment," she says. "We star...ting knitting in the kitchen together after mealtimes and gifting finished items to new patients coming into the program." This year, we have extended past the Eating Disorders community as so many Eating Disorder centers are closed. Earlier this week our co-founder Wendy Preskow donated over 135 items to Ve'ahavta, a Jewish humanitarian organization that gives food and clothing to homeless people in downtown Toronto. "I don't want to stop doing do this just because programs are closed, because I just love doing it" Wendy says. "This is our way of giving back." You can read all about our Hand Knit Hope Program on our blog https://nied.ca/hand-knit-hope-gives-back/! Do you love to knit and want to get involved? Contact [email protected], we would love to hear from you!

The portrayal of Princess Diana’s eating disorder in 'The Crown' is one of the most gripping aspects of the season, notable in part for how explicit it is. But the show doesn’t follow the treatment that got her to that point. We want to show recovery is possible. We want to show those types of outcomes. They’re important, they inspire people, and they educate people. https://www.rollingstone.com//princess-diana-crown-netfli/ Are you watching The Crown? What are your thoughts on this?