By Sophie Balisky, Silver Linings volunteer
My past three winters have been highlighted by the excitement and emotion of helping organize Calgary’s Eating Disorder Awareness Week (EDAW). This involvement has been inspired by my own struggles with an eating disorder and the fulfillment I get from giving back to others in a practical and meaningful way. With activities ranging from yoga and prayer events, to cupcake and nutrition workshops, EDAW is always a special seven days in which education, empathy and connection flow. Held during the first week of February, this year’s EDAW was no different… except that in a lot of ways, it was.
EDAW 2021 was held virtually, which was an endeavor requiring extra creativity and adaptability from the Silver Linings’ staff and volunteer team, but worth every second and resulting in the success of several beautiful online events. In addition to the notable absence of physical attendance, I was struck by how this year’s EDAW felt so different from years past. As part of the organizing team, I had the opportunity to be behind the scenes for one of this year’s virtual events. Although I was immersed in the excitement and celebration of the event’s fruition, I couldn’t shake the eerie sense that I, too, was watching it all enfold from behind a screen. Is my zoom video on? Am I unmuted? How’s my connection? In all honesty, I’ve been struggling to connect to myself…
The Covid-19 pandemic and everything it entails has been profoundly challenging in regards to my mental health. ED tendencies and maladaptive coping mechanisms have tempted me often. As an ED survivor and awareness advocate, it’s not easy to admit that I’ve been struggling. I so often share my personal experiences to offer hope and encouragement! It’s for this reason that I experienced the strange feeling of being an imposter while organizing this year’s EDAW events.
I am strong. I am resilient. I have recovered. Yet, I am still struggling. And I know I am not the only one. As a result of the pandemic, Canada’s need for mental health support is at an all time high. The Calgary Distress Centre has seen a 77% increase in calls from those seeking help with feelings of anxiety, depression and loneliness. Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children has witnessed an unprecedented spike in eating disorder diagnoses of children and adolescents and demand for outpatient care has more than doubled in the past year. The same can be said for eating disorders in adults. Demand for Silver Linings’ programs is up as much as 112% over 2019. The anxiety and uncertainty as a result of the pandemic are clearly a perfect storm for eating disorders to develop, persist and return.
Life has felt far from normal, making eating disorder awareness initiatives, like EDAW, more important than ever. Please, wherever you are in your journey, know that you are not alone. You could be wondering if you have an eating disorder. You could be in the midst of recovery. You could be a worried parent, relative or friend. Or, like me, you could be recovered and feeling shame for still needing help. Please know that no matter your circumstance, you are deserving of support during this relentlessly unsettling time.
To learn more about the various eating disorder support groups offered by Silver Linings, please go https://www.silverliningsfoundation.ca.
