The Butterfly Foundation sent out some promotional materials for Body Image and Eating Disorder Awareness Week (BIEDAW). I’ve included a bunch of them in the post. These might be helpful for you, or a friend.
About BIEDAW
Body Image and Eating Disorders Awareness Week (BIEDAW) is a national week to raise awareness of body image concerns and eating disorders, celebrated annually in the first full week of September (2-8 September 2024).
This year’s theme ‘Kindly Do, Kindly Don’t’ acknowledges that what people say about food, eating, appearance and bodies can have a negative impact on anyone, but particularly those struggling with eating disorders and body image.
We’re encouraging all people – from healthcare professionals, educators, parents and individuals – to consider their everyday actions and language to be more mindful, so we can better support those living with or vulnerable to eating disorders and body image concerns, and work towards a more BodyKind Australia.
Key Stats
- Over 1 million people in Australia experience an eating disorder in any given year.
- Less than one in three (30%) of individuals affected by eating disorders reach out for help
- One in five people mistakenly believe that you can tell if someone has an eating disorder just by looking at them
- Only 11% of people living in Australia can spot the signs and symptoms of an eating disorder
- One in six people mistakenly think that eating disorders are a lifestyle choice or about vanity.
- These stigmatising views can lead to unhelpful or harmful comments and behaviours that can have a serious impact on people at risk of, experiencing or recovering from eating disorders. For more research into community understanding and awareness of eating disorders, view Butterfly’s Community Insights Report 2024
- For further research into the reality of eating disorders in Australia, view Butterfly’s research overview
Key Links
- BIEDAW webpage: https://butterfly.org.au/get-involved/campaigns/biedaw/
- Download social tiles and resources: https://butterfly.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Kindly-Do-Kindly-Dont_BIEDAW_External.zip
Help-seeking information
If you need support for an eating disorder or body image concern connect with Butterfly’s National Helpline for confidential and free counselling, available 7 days a week, 8am-midnight (AEST). Call 1800 ED HOPE (1800 33 4673), chat online at www.butterfly.org.au or email support@butterfly.org.au.
