Manx Eating Disorders Support is holding an awareness and information evening on Wednesday next week (March 1). The event is part of Eating Disorders Awareness Week, which aims to fight myths and misunderstandings surrounding eating disorders. Here, Georgie Shelley and Joanne Yeardsley of the charity dispel some of the common misunderstandings and point out some truths.

What is an eating disorder?

Eating disorders can be serious mental health issues that can affect someone socially, emotionally and physically.

They can include anorexia, bulimia and binge eating.

They can be about coping with emotions and can often be linked to low self-esteem and depression.

Sometimes an eating disorder can be displayed as a preoccupation with food, eating, weight and shape.

Often behind these worries can be emotional distress.

Can you tell by looking at someone?

No. A person with an eating disorder is not always underweight.

Most people with an eating disorder are within a normal weight range or slightly above.

Do eating disorders just affect young women?

No. Young women are the most likely group to develop an eating disorder, particularly those aged 12 to 20.

However, men and women of all ages can be affected.

Over 725,000 men and women in the UK are affected (source: Beat).

The numbers of men with eating disorders is increasing.

This is partly due to increased awareness among support services and men themselves.

The National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence estimates around 11 per cent of those affected by an eating disorder are male.

Are eating disorders just about food?

No. The charity aims to highlight that food and weight are often used as a way of coping with a whole range of emotional issues including times of family change, bereavement, trauma and social pressure.

Eating disorders can also have a high rate of ’co-morbidity’, which is when there are other psychiatric or psychological problems present.

These can include depression and anxiety disorders or personality disorder.

Although serious, eating disorders can be treatable conditions - and with appropriate treatment, a full recovery is possible.

However, the sooner someone receives support, the greater their chance of recovery.

Taking the first step towards recovery is often the most difficult one and the charity aims to ensure that people have the support they require to take that step.

The charity

If you have concerns over your eating behaviour, you are struggling with an eating disorder or concerned about a loved one the charity is here to help.

Manx Eating Disorders Support offers a confidential one to one support service for anyone who is having eating issues.

One to one support is also offered to carers, as eating disorders have a ripple effect and cause concern for both immediate and extended family, as well as friends.

The charity’s one to one sessions can support in identifying possible motivations for behaviour.

These can involve several emotional issues.

The aim of the sessions is to assist an individual to overcome these issues by addressing unhelpful patterns of thought and behaviour.

The benefits are a deeper understanding of the causes of eating issues and support with considering the feelings and behaviours that are used to maintain the eating disorder.

Appointments are held at a convenient central Douglas location outside working hours on Monday and Wednesday evenings.

No referral is necessary - just phone, text or email for an appointment.

Confidentiality is of utmost importance and is maintained at all times. Contact Georgie on 330922 or email [email protected]

Other services provided by the charity include occasional support groups, raising community awareness through public talks, talks in schools, and workshops for teachers, teaching assistants and youth workers.

â?¢ Manx Eating Disorders Support’s awareness and information evening takes place on Wednesday next week (March 1) from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.

It takes place at the Next Step Training Centre, 26-27 Derby Square, Douglas.

The informal evening will feature an awareness talk followed by information about the services that the charity provides.