Opinion: Breaking the Silence on Eating Disorders

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One of the most insidious aspects of mental health issues is the overwhelming sense of isolation and disconnection it causes. Nowhere is this more evident than in eating disorders. Eating disorders often cause people and their caregivers to hide their life-threatening illness out of feelings of shame and stigma, believing they are the only ones suffering. The Alaska Eating Disorder Alliance (AKEDA) aims to remind Alaskans during Mental Health Awareness Month in May that support is available and recovery is possible no matter your age or stage. .

Eating disorders are more prevalent than commonly understood. Statistics show that one in nine people, or approximately 65,000 Alaskans, will suffer from a clinically diagnosable eating disorder during their lifetime. Anxiety about body image, weight, appearance, and common dietary failures will lead many more people to experience eating disorders.

Despite persistent stereotypes that associate eating disorders with certain demographics (thin, white, wealthy girls, etc.), the truth is that these illnesses do not discriminate. They affect individuals of all ages, racial and ethnic backgrounds, income levels, and sexual orientations. Alarmingly, people of color are often half as likely to receive a diagnosis and treatment.

This year, AKEDA is rallying around the theme of “Breaking the Silence” on eating disorders, encouraging more Alaskans to seek the help they need.

Few people understand the urgency of this mission better than Anna Jajewski, a graduate student in clinical psychology at the University of Alaska Anchorage. When she was just 14 years old, Anna witnessed her younger sister Ellie suffer from a severe eating disorder along with depression, anxiety, and chronic suicidal tendencies. Anna and her mother tirelessly sought help for Ellie throughout her teenage years, including multiple suicide attempts and visits to eating disorder treatment centers across the country. Anna herself also struggled with the burden of keeping her secret, hiding her truth from her teachers and friends to explain her frequent absences from school.

Ultimately, Anna’s decision to share her family’s suffering shed light on the pervasive nature of eating disorders, which inspired others to open up about their experiences. Through her work with AKEDA’s weekly adult support groups, which Anna co-facilitates with her academic advisor, Dr. Jenny Poon, her UAA professor, she demonstrates the transformative power of solidarity and shared support. I have witnessed this with my own eyes. Every week, new people join the group to help break the isolation.

AKEDA offers a variety of services aimed at breaking down the stigma surrounding eating disorders, including family and friend support groups, provider consultation groups, community programs, professional training, carer courses, and extensive resources on our website. We offer a variety of programs.

Today, Anna’s sister is on a strong road to recovery, a journey made possible by the combined efforts of her family, friends, and support network. AKEDA, along with our partners across Alaska, stands ready to support Alaskans on their path to healing and recovery.

Beth Rose and Jenny Loudon They are co-founders of the Alaska Eating Disorder Alliance; Becca Killian I am the Managing Director of AKEDA.

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