The Fidelis Care Blog

This year, Eating Disorders Awareness Week takes place from February 26 to March 3. This week raises awareness and promotes understanding about eating disorders. It is a good time to offer help and provide resources for support. Eating disorders are mental health problems that cause dangerous behaviors involving weight and food. These eating behaviors can cause serious health problems and sometimes result in death. Eating disorders can happen to anyone, but are much more common in women. Common eating disorders include anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder.

Mental health is essential for everyone, regardless of background or ethnicity. Minority communities, however, face unique challenges in regard to mental health. That's why National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, observed in July, serves as an important reminder to prioritize the well-being of all individuals, particularly those who belong to marginalized and underserved communities.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected people’s lives in many ways, including its impact on our mental health. At the start of the pandemic, social distancing was required to reduce the spread of the disease. That meant many people started to work remotely and only saw their friends using online meeting platforms.

Everyone has mental health needs. You likely have friends or family members who have struggled with a mental health issue – or you have struggled yourself. When people close to you are upset, it can make you uneasy. You want to help, but you may not know how.