Statement from Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee on Eating Disorders Awareness Week

Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee has issued the following statement:

“February 1 to 7, 2024 is Eating Disorders Awareness Week. This week is held each year to bring awareness to eating disorders and highlights the significant challenges of disordered eating behaviours.

“The theme this year is Breaking Barriers, Facilitating Futures. It focuses on barriers that people face when accessing care for an eating disorder, including the impacts of food insecurity, trauma and gender inequity. Barriers like this can contribute to a cycle of struggle and shame and need our attention. Quality person-centred care is an essential component for the overall treatment of an eating disorder.

“About one million Canadians live with an eating disorder diagnosis, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, avoidance restrictive food intake disorder and otherwise specified feeding and eating disorder. Eating disorders are serious but treatable mental illnesses that can affect anyone, regardless of gender, age, racial and ethnic identity, sexual orientation or socio-economic background.

“Our government is committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of Yukoners living with eating disorders as well as their families. The Department of Health and Social Services provides therapeutic supports to people living with eating disorders through Mental Wellness and Substance Use Services. Individual counselling for adults and youth with eating disorders is offered, as well as family support and family treatment, for parents and caregivers concerned about the health of a family member.

“To access individual counselling services, Yukoners can call the Child, Youth and Family Treatment Team and adult counselling at 867-456-3838 or toll-free 1-866-456-3838.

“Government of Yukon dietitians offer nutrition resources tailored to people’s needs and circumstances. They can also connect people with eating disorders, who are referred by a physician, to outpatient dietitian services at the Whitehorse General Hospital. Registered dietitians at the hospital’s Clinical Nutrition Services offer healthy eating and nutrition information specific to individuals’ needs.

“If you or someone you know may be suffering from an eating disorder, please reach out today to discuss options and receive care that can help make a difference.”