Eating disorders under the microscope
27 August 2009
Helping the Tamworth community understand more about eating disorders is the aim of a special information session to be held early next month.
Hunter New England Health and Centacare are hosting the free session on Wednesday, 2 September from 9.30am to 11.30am at the Centacare Training Centre, 125 Bridge St, Tamworth.
All interested members of the community are encouraged to attend. To RSVP please contact Sharon Tonkin at Centacare on 6765 7896.
Hunter New England Mental Health Promotion Officer, Libby Wakeford, said concerns about weight and appearance are commonplace in our communities.
“Sometimes, however, these concerns can lead to poor eating habits like binge eating and forced weight loss that become excessive and begin to affect a person’s health and wellbeing,” Ms Wakeford said.
“This is when eating disorders can become a serious medical problem.
“In Australia, one in four people know someone who has experienced an eating disorder, which gives an idea of just how common these problems are.
“The impact of these disorders on a person’s life can be quite profound, so early detection and treatment is vital. Education plays an important role in picking up signs and symptoms early and getting help in time for a better recovery.
“This information session will provide an opportunity for people to learn more about the different types of eating disorders, their signs and symptoms, available treatments and how to respond to someone experiencing early signs.”
The information session is part of the Talking About It initiative, a collaboration between Hunter New England Mental Health and Centacare that aims to increase the understanding of mental health and mental illness within communities, by providing community education. Topics have included depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and anxiety disorders.
Ms Wakeford also stressed the importance of strong partnerships to support community initiatives such as Talking About It.
“We have been very fortunate to have the assistance of Centacare in Tamworth to help us run this program. We greatly appreciate their commitment to providing education that benefits our community.”
Contact: Frances Holz
Phone: 4939 2216