AKEDA provides help and inspires hope by engaging our diverse communities in education, advocacy and support for Alaskans affected by eating disorders.
If you need help now call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
907-308-8400
RESOURCES IF YOU ARE STRUGGLING
Help is available if you are struggling with an eating disorder or disordered eating. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.
For support, resources or treatment options, you can call the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA)'s toll-free, confidential helpline at 1-800-931-2237. The helpline is open Monday-Thursday from 5:00 am-5:00 pm Alaska Time, and Friday from 5:00 am-1:00 pm Alaska Time. NEDA offers a short online screening tool appropriate for ages 13 and up to find out if it's time to seek professional help.
You can also text “NEDA” to 741741 from anywhere in the US to be connected with a trained crisis counselor 24/7 at the Crisis Text Line.
In Alaska, you can call Careline Alaska anytime, toll free: 1-877-266-4357 (HELP) or text 4help to 839863, 3-11 p.m. Tuesday through fSaturday.
If you would like to attend a local support group, AKEDA offers a confidential, professionally-led support group for adults 18+ each Thursday evening from 5:30-6:30 p.m. and is open to those struggling with or recovering from eating issues.There is also a peer-led support group for Alaskans 18+ held every Monday evening from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. For more information on that group, contact Cassie at edgroupak@gmail.com.
Please see additional listings for virtual support groups and meal and snack coaching here.
FOR MEN STRUGGLING WITH AN EATING DISORDER
Despite the stereotype that eating disorders only occur in women, about one in three people struggling with an eating disorder is male, and subclinical eating disordered behaviors (including binge eating, purging, laxative abuse, and fasting for weight loss) are nearly as common among men as they are among women.
In the United States alone, eating disorders will affect 10 million males at some point in their lives. But due in large part to cultural bias, they are much less likely to seek treatment for their eating disorder. The good news is that once a man finds help, they show similar responses to treatment as women.
NEDA - National Eating Disorders Association information on male eating disorders
FOR LGBTQIA+ AND PEOPLE OF COLOR
From NEDA: "Eating disorders have historically been associated with straight, young, white females, but in reality, they affect people from all demographics and are not caused by any single factor. They arise from a combination of long-standing behavioral, biological, emotional, psychological, interpersonal, and social factors.
Misconceptions about who eating disorders affect have real consequences, leading to fewer diagnoses, treatment options, and pathways to help for those who don’t fit the stereotype.
Understanding that eating disorders don’t discriminate is critical to making sure everyone has access to help and support. When it comes to identity and eating disorders, one’s experience should be understood within the broader cultural context of oppression."
"When It Comes To Race, Eating Disorders Don't Discriminate" podcast
“Latinas and Eating Disorders” podcast: https://www.npr.org/2014/03/28/292434081/latinas-and-eating-disorders
Come as You Are video, produced by NEDA and Instagram, showing five eating disorder recovery heroes.
FINANCIAL RESOURCES
A few programs offer limited financial help for treatment and peer support.
WithAll all is a nonprofit working with individuals and partners to empower eating disorder prevention and increase support for recovery, providing simple and accessible tools that help people act. Whether on proactive paths or in crisis moments, they provide services and resources to help all create and recover health.
For information about financial support: https://withall.org/get-support/
Project Heal believes that all people who struggle with food and body should be able to get the support and care that they need to heal, regardless of age, gender identity, race, ability, or financial means. For information on their Treatment Access Program: https://www.theprojectheal.org/apply-for-treatment-support