Body Image and Eating Disorders Awareness Week (BIEDAW) 2020 will take place from Sept 6 -12

This year for BIEDAW we’re highlighting all the ways that eating disorders defy the stereotypes, with the campaign theme #NotWhatYouThink. We’re especially keen to highlight the complexity of eating disorder experiences in light of COVID-19 and the impact it’s had on people experiencing eating disorders and their families. We know that everyone’s experience is unique, and that there’s so much more than meets the eye when it comes to eating disorders.

“We know how difficult this time has been for many in our community. We’ve seen a 27% increase in contacts to our Hub service, and have experienced enormous demand for our COVID related services, such as online support groups. We want everyone in our community to know this BIEDAW that we hear you, we see you, and we’re available to support you.”
– Belinda Caldwell, EDV CEO

This BIEDAW we want to give a platform to those who want to change public perceptions about eating disorders, either through sharing personal lived experience or expert knowledge. We look forward to sharing these stories, including:

• Reflections on #NotWhatYouThink from members of our Lived Experience Community
• Video interviews with individuals with lived experience that present their unique eating disorder experience
• Instagram Q&As with EDV ambassador Stefan who has recovered from an eating disorder, and a psychologist who specialises in treating eating disorders
• Stories of Recovery sessions, recorded live during the COVID lockdown

Rachel’s experience of ARFID

In this interview, Rachel speaks of her diagnosis, the challenges in seeking help for her eating disorder, seeking out treatment through self-referral, fostering self-compassion, finding her identity along the recovery journey and why eating disorders are #NotWhatYouThink. Rachel’s shares her story with great insight and humour.

The Carer’s Perspective

Julia and Gary kindly share their lived experience as carers of children with eating disorders, giving insight on supporting a loved one, looking after yourself as a carer or support person and providing hope that recovery from an eating disorder is possible.

The Male Experience

EDV Ambassadors Stefan, Gareth and Thomas share their eating disorder experiences and the ups and downs of recovery. Whilst this is an all male panel, we encourage anyone looking for hope or connection to watch this recording.

We’d love for you to get involved with BIEDAW 2020. There’s a number of ways to show your support for the week.

Get lived experience stories and videos directly to your inbox everyday this week. Opt-in to receive these inspiring stories:

Don’t forget to also:

• Following EDV on facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn and sharing our posts
• Using the tags #NotWhatYouThink #BIEDAW2020 and tagging @eatingdisordersvictoria on your social media
• Utilizing the collateral provided below

Thanks to Gippsland PHN and the Butterfly Foundation for supporting EDV’s BIEDAW 2020 activities.