May is Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s talk about eating disorders and mental health! Impact: Eating disorders, specifically Anorexia nervosa, has the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder. According to NIH, Anorexia nervosa impacts as many as 3% of young women and has the highest mortality rate of all mental health disorders, with around 5% of individuals dying within four years of being diagnosed (NIH). But recovery is possible with the right support and treatment. Interconnected: Eating disorders rarely exist alone. They often co-occur with: Anxiety disorders, Depression, Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and Trauma & PTSD. Understanding the full picture is important. Treating only symptoms isn’t enough. Listen with empathy and avoid making assumptions. Stop The Stigma: MYTH: “You can tell by looking at someone.” FACT: Eating disorders don’t have a “look.” MYTH: “It’s just a phase.” FACT: It’s a serious psychiatric illness, not a choice. MYTH: “Only teenage girls get EDs.” FACT: People of any age, gender, race, or background can struggle with an ED. Stigma keeps people silent. Breaking it can save lives. Recovery: Recovery is a journey, and it looks different for everyone. Healing takes time, and that’s okay. Every step forward, no matter how small, is progress. You don’t have to do it alone. Support is available. You are worthy of recovery, and help is there when you’re ready. Your path to healing starts wherever you are right now. Everyone matters. Need Some Extra Support? Click the link in our bio for more information on our free support groups and care directory services. We are always here to help, today and every day! #eatingdisorderrecovery #mentalhealth #edrcsv #ed #recovery #mentalhealthmatters #mentalheatlhawarenessmonth (fb)

EDRC is accepting new applicants to our student volunteer program, open now through June 8th! Need volunteer hours? Interested in mental health care? Looking for a community of positive, wellness-oriented students? Apply for EDRC’s high school student volunteer program! EDRC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Campbell, California that provides free resources to those struggling with eating disorders in the Silicon Valley. We operate the only eating disorder warmline in the Bay Area, host free support groups, and provide educational services to care professionals and community members. Our team of high school student volunteers help us run our social media, plan special events, and develop educational programming to raise awareness for eating disorders among their fellow students. Volunteers are expected to dedicate 5-10 hours a month, with opportunities to participate both in-person and virtually. High school students local to the Bay Area are invited to apply using the QR code. Visit https://edrcsv.org/get-involved/volunteer/ to learn more. #edrcsv #eatingdisorder #eatıngdisorderrecovery #studentvolunteer #bayareastudents #volunteeropportunities #studentmentalhealth (fb)