British Columbia’s annual provincial eating disorders awareness campaign begins February 1, 2015 — on Facebook here — on Twitter here
Recovery from eating disorders is possible — but it’s a journey
Amy Pezzente’s (pictured above) struggle with eating disorders reached a breaking point after she was asked to leave university because she was too sick to continue. After battling this all-consuming illness for six years, Pezzente decided she was tired of fighting. As sick as she was, she would still have to wait eight months to get into an eating disorders program at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver.
Today, Pezzente is fully recovered and works for Jessie’s Legacy, a North Shore-based eating disorders prevention program named for Jessie Alexander, a young North Shore woman who died of complications from a long-standing eating disorder. Through her work with Jessie’s Legacy, Amy coordinates the Provincial Eating Disorders Awareness (PEDAW) campaign, a province wide effort to raise awareness around prevention and early intervention of eating disorders as well as media literacy, resiliency, building healthy body image and self-esteem. Amy is also a member of Jessie’s Legacy Speakers Bureau and speaks to schools and other organizations about topics such as body image and self-esteem.
It began in Grade 9, Pezzente’s disordered eating habits. What started as anorexia bled into bulimia, she says, recalling “swimming” in her senior prom dress. After high school, Pezzente’s life continued on a downward spiral, fueled by the pressures of university. — The Looking Glass Foundation
We speak with Amy Pezzente.
604_amy_pezzente_pedaw_jan_29_2015_40
Left-click to listen; right-click to save.
Image of Amy Pezzente by Evan Seal/Black Press
Treatment and therapy for eating disorders are available, but more help is needed
CaraLynne McLean, a counsellor in Vancouver, has been passionate about the prevention and treatment of eating disorders for many years — making it a significant part of both her private practice and community work. CaraLynne studied Family Based Therapy (FBT) for Eating Disorders, offered by the Training Institute for Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders in Chicago.
McLean says that rigorous, scientifically based studies were conducted to assess the effectiveness of Family Based Therapy for Eating Disorders and the results were positive with regards to recovery and the resolution of Anorexia, Bulimia and Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS).
I think (eating disorders) are more prevalent now than ever. I see a lot of social pressure. I see a lot of confusing messages. I see really low self-esteem and low self-worth. — CaraLynne McLean, 24hrs.ca
We speak with CaraLynne McLean.
605_caralynne_mclean_pedaw_jan_29_2015_40
Left-click to listen; right-click to save.
Vancouver-based Looking Glass Foundation offers an intensive, structured program for individuals aged 17 to 24 years in a home-like, therapeutic environment. It’s team, comprised of medical and mental health professionals with expertise in eating disorders, provides 24/7 care and support. Looking Glass treatment approaches are evidence-based, best practices. The program combines a range of group and individual therapies with guided recreation and leisure activities that encourage self-awareness, community building and the development of life skills.
We speak with Looking Glass Foundation executive director Stacey Huget.
606_stacey_huget_pedaw_jan_29_2015_40
Left-click to listen; right-click to save.
February 6, 2015 is #Purple4PEDAW — wear purple in support of the Provincial Eating Disorders Awareness (PEDAW) campaign
Click on image to view in larger format.
Related information, Tweets, and links
audio: Amy Pezzente about eating disorders & awareness #pedaw @loveourbodies @CHLYradio http://t.co/pToieBpC0v pic.twitter.com/nUWMx9i1RD
— People First Radio (@peoplefirstrad) January 29, 2015
audio: CaraLynne McLean about therapy for eating disorders #pedaw @loveourbodies @CHLYradio http://t.co/ZRzkHLvkbS pic.twitter.com/NHEy279Rou
— People First Radio (@peoplefirstrad) January 29, 2015
audio: Stacey Huget on residential care for eating disorders #pedaw @loveourbodies @CHLYradio http://t.co/h8K0HcDEtX pic.twitter.com/bssLdLNZSf
— People First Radio (@peoplefirstrad) January 30, 2015
Responsible Media Coverage of Eating Disorders http://t.co/ZmE6w6XwWX #Purple4PEDAW
— People First Radio (@peoplefirstrad) January 26, 2015
