COVID-19 pandemic restrictions have forced both northerners and British Columbians into isolation and increased screen time, contributing to feelings of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty.
An eating disorder prevention group, based out of Vancouver, says people with eating disorders and disordered eating are now particularly vulnerable because these two factors are known to exacerbate unhealthy coping behaviors.
“Eating disorders (EDs) revolve around a preoccupation with food, body image, weight, and appearance and have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness. EDs affect over 1 million Canadians and approximately 135,000 British Columbians,” said Joanna Zelichowska, manager of Jessie’s Legacy.
She adds another 270,000 – 540,000 British Columbians do not meet diagnostic criteria, yet struggle with disordered eating and body image issues.
In a study of 159 ED patients published in the International Journal of Eating Disorders, 70 percent of participants said that weight and eating concerns had increased.
“We’ve seen a big uptick in people wondering whether the changes they’ve experienced themselves, or observed in their family members, are cause for concern,” she said.
“For many people, spending so much time at home has amplified their disordered eating behaviors. Pandemic conditions have triggered either a need to exert control for some or feeling out of control around food for others,” Zelichoska added.
According to Statistics Canada, 63% of men and 69% of women reported a significant increase in time spent online since the start of the pandemic.
“Depictions of rigorous fitness routines, meticulous meal plans, and productive lifestyles permeate social media. Though portrayed as positive, these depictions create unrealistic expectations that can increase comparison and self-criticism,” she added.
Jessie’s Legacy has developed a toolkit for Provincial Eating Disorders Awareness Week running from Feb 1st to Sunday this year to mitigate the risk.
The toolkit includes:
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- An online self-assessment tool to gauge your relationship with your body
- A podcast with a registered clinical counsellor on the topic of eating disorders during COVID-19
- A video about a parent, youth, and counsellor having a conversation about eating disorders with FamilySmart
- A public shared experience campaign, Loving Our Bodies and Ourselves During a Pandemic, that aims to provide inspiration and a sense of community through sharing stories and coping strategies
