Eating Disorders: Can’t Afford to Wait!

Annually across the globe, June 2, 2019 is “World Eating Disorders Action Day”. A collective effort led by grassroots activists, volunteers, and over 250 organizations in 40+ countries across the globe, organizations and activists will be hosting local live events, broadcast meetings, lighting buildings and landmarks the color purple, and will use social media to take action.

This year we expect even more policy action taken by governments and leaders to ensure caregivers receive support, health care workers and properly trained, and that affected people and families to get immediate, evidence based treatment.

Why is it that “We Can’t Afford to Wait”?

• Worldwide, over 70 million people are estimated to be affected by an eating disorder, including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and otherwise specified feeding eating disorders (OSFED)

•  Eating disorders have the HIGHEST MORTALITY RATE of any psychiatric illness.

• Eating Disorders affect people of all genders, sexual orientations, ages, socioeconomic class, abilities, races, and ethnic backgrounds. It is time to take action.

• Good news! When treated EARLY and correctly, eating disorders have the highest and fastest recovery rate!

How to take action for World Eating Disorders Action Day, June 2, 2019:

1. #ShowUsYourPurple

From Croatia to Canada, to Mexico City to Paris, landmarks are lighting up purple. Join the movement and show us your purple on social media! Take a snap of yourself, nominate someone else and use the hashtag #ShowUsYourPurple

Follow conversation on social media. Use hashtags #ShowUsYourPurple #WeDoActNow

2. Follow the conversation 

Use the hashtags #ShowUsYourPurple #WeDoActNow #WorldEDDay2019 Share, re-post or retweet our downloadable graphics, or create a custom social media post sharing something meaningful to you.  Use any of our social media platforms!

3. Host or attend an event

Local events are being organized by advocates across the world. Find out what’s happening in your community and join in! Events are posted on Facebook or here  http://www.worldeatingdisordersday.org/2019-events-2/ 

4. Donate to and Eating Disorder organization

Consider donating to your local Eating Disorder organization and support their work.  A list of our World Eating Disorders Action Day Participating Organizations can be found here http://www.worldeatingdisordersday.org/get-involved/participating-organisations/.

5. Discuss eating disorders.

Look at our messages and discuss them with your family, friends, school, or at your place of work. Through open, supportive dialogue, we can create change.

Contact: worldeatingdisorderday@gmail.com