As February comes to a close, we are approaching National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. Feb. 24 through March 2 is a time dedicated to educating the public about the truth of eating disorders and promoting awareness for those impacted by them. Often, a lack of knowledge or understanding about the true scope of eating disorders can prevent individuals from seeking comprehensive care. Eating disorders have the second highest mortality rate of all mental health conditions, so it’s imperative to remove any hurdles by promoting awareness and understanding (www.nationaleatingdisorders.org).

People diagnosed with eating disorders face a heightened risk of suicide. Suicide alone is the third leading cause of death of those ages 10 to 24. Having a mental health diagnosis can increase that risk. People diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder have been shown to have elevated levels of suicidal behavior. Research shows someone with anorexia nervosa is two to nine times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers. A person with bulimia nervosa would be eight to nine times more likely to attempt suicide. An individual with binge-eating disorder (BED) is five times more likely to die by suicide than their peers (www.jasonfoundation.com). Other eating disorders, such as avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) and other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED), do not have as much research on the connection to suicidal ideation to decisively state their risk.

There are multiple resources available for people in this demographic. The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) has a helpline at 1-800-931-2237, or you can text “NEDA” to 741741. The Suicide&Crisis Lifeline is 988 by call or text. More information on these eating disorders and their connection to risk of suicide can be found at www.jasonfoundation.com/eating-disorders. The Jason Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to preventing youth suicide through educational and awareness programs for youth, educators, parents, and other youth workers.

Use this week as an opportunity to learn about the realities of eating disorders and the risks they create for those diagnosed with one. Be on the lookout for ways you can help raise awareness for this cause. If you know someone with an eating disorder diagnosis, make sure you are familiar with the warning signs of suicide. A list of suicide warning signs, along with signs and symptoms of eating disorders, and the nearest Jason Foundation affiliate office can be found on The Jason Foundation’s website.

Mallory Wire

Associate Division Director

The Jason Foundation