Press Information

Monday 20^th February 2012

Break the Silence – Beat Eating Disorders – Talk About Them

More than half those surveyed (500+) didn’t tell anyone about their eating disorder – they didn’t know how....

At the start of Eating Disorders Awareness Week (20-26^th Feb) Beat, the UK’s leading charity and the world’s largest  supporting those affected by eating disorders and campaigning on their behalf, publishes the results of a survey of nearly 1000 people with direct experience of the illnesses.

• A shocking 56% didn’t tell anyone about their eating disorder because they didn’t know how to talk about it
• 64% waited longer than 6 months before confiding in someone
• 87% didn’t seek medical help when they first realised they had a problem

“I hate that I feel ashamed, because it’s an illness just like any other, and just like any other illness you don’t choose it, it chooses you” said one response.  “I was so scared” said another.

Beat is campaigning to break down the stigma and misunderstanding surrounding these serious psychiatric conditions.  “We all need to break the silence about eating disorders so that sufferers come forward, loved ones can approach those they are concerned about, and everyone is aware of the illnesses.  The more people talk about eating disorders in an understanding way, the more those affected will feel they can reach out for support” said the charity.

Beat’s call to action is to get people to speak up about eating disorders.  No-one should face an eating disorder on their own.  Break the silence and talk about eating disorders at school, at home, in the workplace.

Ends

Further information:  Mary George     Beat Press Office     0300 123 7061    media@b-eat.co.uk