Beat Cymru have launched an anti-stigma campaign using the theme ‘Everybody Knows Somebody – eating disorders are more common than you think’. The campaign aims to raise awareness of these serious mental illnesses, challenge myths and misunderstanding and signpost available help and support.
Bethan Jenkins (first left) is an AM and Chair of the Cross Party Group for Eating Disorders.
People with eating disorders typically have low self esteem and a very poor sense of their own worth. They can be strongly influenced by those widely held views that an eating disorder is a fad or a phase or a silly diet gone wrong and that can prevent them from seeking treatment promptly.
We know the sooner someone gets the help and treatment they need, the more likely they are to make that recovery. That is part of the reason why challenging stereotypes is so important. Mental illness still carries a stigma and eating disorders perhaps more so than many. Challenging those views, calling for increased awareness and more compassionate understanding of this complex, serious illness is a key part of Beat’s work.
The Beat Cymru team will be going into workplaces and schools across Wales talking to people about eating disorders and challenging myths and misunderstanding
