Please note that this is an Archived article and may contain content that is out of date. The use of she/her/hers pronouns in some articles is not intended to be exclusionary. Eating disorders can affect people of all genders, ages, races, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, body shapes, and weights.
Contact: Tamara Noyes, Director of Business Development, Center for Change
[email protected]
888-224-8250
Center for Change Named A Sponsor of Screening for Mental Health’s National Eating Disorder Screening Program®
Center for Change is happy to announce that it is a sponsor of Screening for Mental Health’s National Eating Disorder Screening Program, which raises awareness, screens people for the potential need for help for eating disorders, depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns, and allows individuals to connect with the appropriate treatment resources. The educational initiative coincides with National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (February 22-28), an annual campaign to bring public attention to the critical needs of people with eating disorders and their families.
In the United States, 30 million people will be impacted by an eating disorder at some point in their lifetime. However, because of the stigma surrounding eating disorders and mental health, only one in ten will seek treatment.
“Eating disorders are serious mental health illnesses that most often require treatment. It’s important for people to recognize the signs and symptoms of eating disorders because awareness and understanding are the beginning steps for recovery and healing,” said Center for Change CEO and co-founder, Michael E. Berrett, PhD. “These free screenings provide a first step in educating individuals and families about eating disorders and related issues, and create a safe place to assess concerns and struggles.”
The anonymous and confidential screening is designed to help community members examine any thoughts or behaviors that may be associated with eating disorders. After completing the self-assessment, users are provided with helpful resources and treatment information, if necessary.
Some common eating disorder signs and symptoms include:
- Frequent comments about feeling “fat” or overweight
- In general, behaviors and attitudes indicate that weight loss, dieting and control of food are becoming primary concerns
- Skips meals or takes small portions of food at regular meals
- Hides body with baggy clothes
- Evidence of binge eating, including disappearance of large amounts of food in short periods of time or lots of wrappers and containers indicating consumption or large amounts of food
- Maintains excessive, rigid exercise regimen—despite weather, fatigue, illness or injury—because of the need to “burn off” calories
Although the screenings are not diagnostic, they will determine if someone may be struggling with eating disorder attitudes or behaviors and help guide them toward information and resources. To take a screening, click here http://www.mybodyscreening.org/
About Center for Change
Center for Change is a place of hope and healing that is committed to helping women and adolescent girls break free and fully recover from their eating disorders. The Center uses a multi-disciplinary approach with specialized and intensive treatment for eating disorders under the care of a supportive and experienced staff. The Center offers comprehensive programs – from acute inpatient, residential care, day & evening programs, to outpatient and aftercare. Most importantly, Center for Change offers a loving and safe environment where individuals can reclaim their lives: body, mind, and spirit. Center for Change is accredited by The Joint Commission, Northwest Accreditation Commission (NWAC), and is TRICARE® certified. For more information contact the Center at 888-224-8250 or visit www.centerforchange.com.
About Screening for Mental Health, Inc.
Screening for Mental Health, Inc. (SMH), the pioneer of large-scale mental health screening for the public, provides innovative mental health and substance abuse resources, linking those in need with quality treatment options. SMH programs, offered online and in-person, educate, raise awareness, and screen individuals for depression, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, alcohol use disorders, and suicide. Thousands of organizations worldwide including hospitals, military installations, colleges, secondary schools, corporations, utilize our educational and screening programs, and in turn, have reached millions of people ranging from teenagers to adults. For more information about Screening for Mental Health, visit www.MentalHealthScreening.org.
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