TriCity Family Services to recognize Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2020
TriCity Family Services, a trusted partner that offers counseling services and mental health programs for children, teens, families and community members throughout Central Kane County, invites the public to recognize Eating Disorders Awareness Week, Feb. 24-March 1.
Eating disorders are not to be overlooked. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric illness in this country. They can lead to serious physical and psychological complications and impact normal functioning, processing and daily activities. They impact people from all age, ethnicity and gender groups. The three most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder.
Signs and symptoms of eating disorders include, but are not limited to: preoccupation with food, weight or one's body; compulsive exercise; withdrawal; constant fear of gaining weight; refusal to eat except for tiny portions, or only drinking calorie-free drinks; lack of menstruation in females; eating alone or in secret; eating large amounts of food in short periods of time; and abuse of diet pills or laxatives.
For more than 50 years, TriCity Family Services has become synonymous with mental health advocacy, providing counseling for all ages and income levels. The agency specializes in family-centered counseling, which includes family-based treatment for eating disorders program. A highly practical, evidence-based outpatient approach that recognizes parents as the best resource for their children's recovery, the family-based treatment for eating disorders program uses a team model that includes the therapist, the family physician, family members and other partners to achieve success.
According to TriCity Family Services, research has shown that families who share meals together on a regular basis reap numerous benefits, which includes supporting the emotional well-being of children, limiting the likelihood of disordered eating and avoiding high risk behavior.
During Eating Disorders Awareness Week, TriCity Family Services will be doing its part to shine the spotlight on the seriousness of eating disorders and to improve public understanding of their causes, triggers and treatments.
On Friday, Feb. 21, TriCity Family Services will kick off the campaign by distributing goody bags to area schools, doctor and dentist offices, and private practices, promoting eating disorders awareness and the services in its family-based treatment for eating disorders program.
On Monday to Friday, Feb. 24-28, visitors to TriCity Family Services' Geneva office will be invited to leave positive and encouraging notes in the main lobby as part of "Operation Beautiful," whose mission is to post anonymous notes in public places for other people to find.
On Monday to Sunday, Feb. 24 to March 1, with "Come Back to the Table," make the family meal a priority and focus on being together more than on cooking an elaborate meal. Let the kids be involved in planning and preparing the meal. Turn off the TV and the electronic devices. Work as a family to clean up. Visit www.thefamilydinnerproject.org for more information on family meals.
On Wednesday, Feb. 26, for "Dress in Purple Day," wear purple, the awareness color for Eating Disorders Awareness, and share a photo on social media. Snap a selfie, then follow and tag TriCity Family Services on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, in support of National Eating Disorders Awareness.
To learn more about eating disorders or to schedule an appointment, visit www.tricityfamilyservices.org or call (630) 232-1070.
About TriCity Family Services:
Since 1967, TriCity Family Services has been Kane County's leading provider of counseling services and other mental health programs to clients of all ages and all income levels. As a community-based, nonprofit agency, TriCity Family Services serves clients of every economic level within the community, accepting most major insurance plans, offering sliding-scale fee adjustments and not denying services based on an inability to pay. It is committed to helping clients strengthen themselves, their families and their communities.
The agency's experienced team of professional therapists provides the residents of Central Kane County and other neighboring communities with counseling, family-based treatment for eating disorders, emotional wellness workshops and support groups and employee assistance programs.