It is National Eating Disorder Awareness month (February), and even in Spokane there are events and programs that people with eating disorders or their family and friends can participate in.
Every first and third Wednesday of the month at 6pm a free support group for adult eating disorder sufferers meets at Sacred Heart Medical Center. The group may vary in size from meeting to meeting, with up to half a dozen participants one week or only one or two the next. But it is run by a professional psychologist and a volunteer who has worked with support groups before. Topics of discussion vary depending on who attends that evening and what they most need help with at that time. It is an hour and a half of open discussion in a space where those with an eating disorder can feel safe talking about their thoughts and feelings with others who have been through similar situations.
A related special event is taking place at the Magic Lantern Theater on February 22nd. The INCED (Inland Northwest Coalition on Eating Disorders) is presenting a showing of "American the Beautiful 2: The Thin Commandments." This documentary explains the growing rate and causes of obesity in America as well as the debate on just how unhealthy being overweight can be. This is a special event screening of the film and also includes an opening social period with drinks and an hour long panel discussion after the film with a group of eating disorder experts. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased through the INCED.
A great thing to do during National Eating Disorder month is to reach out and talk to someone. Join a local or national organization, attend a support group, sign up for a group therapy or personal therapy session. Groups like the INCED and mentorConnect can provide referrals and networking options, while organizations such as CHAS (Community Health Association of Spokane) can provide detailed packets with counselors, therapy options, and even nutritionists.
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