National Eating Disorders Awareness Week was this past week (February 28 – March 4). It’s important to raise awareness of eating disorders because like other mental health conditions, there are many myths, misconceptions and stigmas associated with eating disorders. Contrary to popular stereotypes, eating disorders affect people of all backgrounds, and do not discriminate between gender, age, race, ethnicity, body shapes, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic status.
Eating disorders (ED) are complex illnesses. It is not uncommon for those struggling with an ED to have a history of trauma, anxiety, depression, and/or other mental health issues.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with an eating disorder, we encourage you to seek help. And if you’re looking for more information before you begin that conversation, here’s a list of resources to get you started*:
- National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)
- NEDA’s Parent Toolkit
- Call 1-800-931-2237 for NEDA toll-free, confidential helpline, Monday – Thursday from 9:00 am – 9:00 pm and Friday from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (EST):
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
- Academy for Eating Disorders (AED)
- Binge Eating Disorder Association (BEDA)
- Diabulimia Helpline
- Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action (EDC)
- Eating Disorders Resource Center
- Eating Disorder Hope
- E.A.S.T.
- In Her Image: Producing Womanhood in America
- The National Association for Males with Eating Disorders, Inc. (N.A.M.E.D.)
- National Eating Disorders Screening Program
* NOTE: Inclusion on this list is in no way an endorsement of these sites. The Guidance Center is in no way responsible for the informational content on these sites.
March Community Events
COMPTON
March 4, 2017
7:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Moonwater Farm, The Comptons, 544 W Raymond St, Compton, California 90220
Fun night of 50’s live music, dancing and art to support Black Book Sessions and Moonwater Farm. Blackbook Sessions is a local non profit devoted to empowering and inspiring young creative minds. Vintage attire is strongly encouraged. Space is limited, ticket reservations are recommended.
March 11, 2017
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
“Woodley’s Wings and Wheels” Open House – FREE!
Compton Airport, 901 West Alondra Blvd, Compton, CA, 90220
The 2017 “Woodley’s Wings and Wheels” Open House event will be the premiere of what will become a signature annual event for the airport, the City of Compton, and the surrounding communities at large. It will be a FREE day of limited plane rides, fly-overs, static aircraft displays, antique and futuristic car displays, activities for kids and seniors, high school marching bands, and a whole lot more!
March 18, 2017
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Beauty Behind Bars – FREE!
Compton Career Link, 700 N Bullis Rd, Compton, California 90221
You don’t have to be physically incarcerated to be locked behind bars. Mental incarceration and self-imprisonment are the most difficult forms of solitude to escape. Beauty Behind Bars™ is the official overall self-esteem program of the Once in a Wifetime® movement. Created to help women and girls break away from mental incarceration and self-imprisonment of low self-esteem, doubt, depression, suicide, and dream killing: Beauty Behind Bars™ teaches forgiveness, accountability, and the importance of loving self from the inside out.
LONG BEACH
March 19, 2017
7:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Shoreline Aquatic Park, 200 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, California 90802
Hope So Bright’s 5K ADHD HERO RUN/WALKS are community fundraisers and educational outreach programs that raise awareness about ADHD. Today, it is estimated that only one out of two children diagnosed with ADHD receive psychological services which may include behavioral intervention. Participating in this inspiring event will empower others to make a difference in their communities and provide an opportunity to honor someone with ADHD as everyone is touched by this learning challenge in some way. Register here: http://hopesobright.org/long-beach-adhd-hero-walk-hope-bright/
March 19, 2017
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Growing Experience Urban Farm, 750 E Via Carmelitos, Long Beach, California 90805
The rose garden connecting the farm and community garden is in need of some love and care from the community. Help re-vamp the space and prepare it for some new enhancements including picnic tables and bike racks that are sure to transform the space into a community refuge from the daily grind! All ages and abilities welcome. Please RSVP for planning purposes. Gloves, tools, water and light snacks will be provided. Please dress appropriately with sun protection and close-toed shoes.
March 27, 2017
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Awareness & Training Night: Introduction to Human Trafficking – FREE!
The Long Beach Human Trafficking Task Force will be putting together quarterly Awareness & Training Nights this year highlighting different human trafficking topics. You’re invited to the first one: Human Trafficking Introduction. This is free workshop open to everyone in our community who wants to learn about human trafficking, and how they can make a difference. Becoming aware and trained are the first steps in making a difference.
March 31, 2017
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
Miller Children’s Kicks-Off Autism Awareness Month
Miller Children’s Hospital, 2801 Atlantic Ave, Long Beach, California 90806
Join Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach on Friday, March 31 to “Light it up Blue” and kick-off Autism Awareness Month. At a special ceremony, Gary Feldman, M.D., medical director, Stramski Children’s Developmental Center, will speak on the impact of autism. Attendees are encouraged to wear blue in an effort to create a giant visual statistic and raise autism awareness. All attendees will receive a commemorative gift. Parking will be validated.
SAN PEDRO
March 4, 2017
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, 3720 Stephen M White Dr, San Pedro, California 90731
On the first Saturday of each month, join CMA Educators and volunteers in a beach cleanup, clearing the shore of marine debris. Meet at the steps in front of the auditorium. Groups are required to make reservations by the Thursday before the event: Call Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm, 310-548-7562. FREE; open to all ages.
March 11, 2017
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
San Pedro Regional Branch – Los Angeles Public Library, 931 S Gaffey St, San Pedro, California 90731
Join the library for a fun event promoting literacy with San Pedro children! Children’s authors Annabeth Bondor-Stone and Connor White and their zany presentation of “Shivers – the Pirate Who Is Afraid of Nearly Everything” will be there. Everyone is welcome.