Kindly Do, Kindly Don’t: Butterfly Foundation invites you to consider the impact of your words and behaviour this Body Image and Eating Disorder Awareness Week
September 2, 2024
Australia’s leading charity for eating disorders and body image, Butterfly Foundation, is using Body Image and Eating Disorders Awareness Week (BIEDAW), September 2-8, to share important reminders of what Australians should and shouldn’t say, think, or do when it comes to bodies, appearance and eating disorders.
With the latest research revealing that more than 1.1 million Australians are living with an eating disorder, and less than one in three are seeking support, it is a vital time to enlighten all Australians – from health professionals to parents and educators – on how to support people vulnerable to, experiencing or recovering from eating disorders and body image issues in their everyday language and actions.
Butterfly’s research shows that while general awareness of three well known eating disorders, Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder, is growing, there is still a lack of genuine understanding, with one in five Australians mistakenly believing that you can tell if someone has an eating disorder just by looking at them, 16% seeing eating disorders as a ‘sign of weakness’ and almost one in six people (17%) thinking that eating disorders are a lifestyle choice or about vanity.
These stigmatising views can have a serious impact on people at risk or experiencing eating disorders, potentially leading to engaging in harmful behaviours or encouraging relapse and discouraging help-seeking.
Demonstrating supportive language and actions is particularly important for young people in Australia, with the latest Body Kind Youth Survey revealing 77% of those aged 12-18 are teased about their appearance at school, and more than half are dissatisfied with their bodies – a serious risk factor in the development of an eating disorder.
Through Kindly Do, Kindly Don’t Butterfly will share actionable ways to avoid ‘appearance-based’ comments and triggering behaviours, aiming to break down misconceptions and support people struggling with eating disorders and body image issues – a vital step toward a more BodyKind Australia.
In addition to language guidance, Butterfly has also developed a new, downloadable ‘Kindly Do, Kindly Don’t: Support Script’ to empower people with eating disorders to advocate for themselves in healthcare settings, and advise health professionals of language and actions that may be helpful or harmful to their recovery.
Butterfly’s Head of Communications and Engagement, Melissa Wilton, said:
“We hear from people with lived experience every day that words and actions around food, appearance and bodies can have a serious impact on their recovery, and may contribute to the development of an eating disorder in the first place.
“While we know that people are often well intentioned, this campaign is a kind reminder to all of us to be more mindful of why language matters. With an increasing prevalence of eating disorders in Australia, it’s never been more critical to encourage body kindness and help-seeking.”
Lived experience advocate, Lexi Crouch, said:
“Awareness campaigns like these bring to light just how serious and impactful eating disorders and body image issues are – not just for the individual, but also for anyone connected to someone experiencing the depth of these insidious issues.”
“For too long, eating disorders and body image issues have been seen as something physical, but the reality is the suffering goes well beyond the body. With the highest mortality of any mental illness, it is important to keep awareness at a high priority.”
ENDS
Media Contact
Alexandra La Sala: Think HQ PR Account Director
P: 0466 258 343
E: alexandra.lasala@think-hq.com.au
About Butterfly Foundation
Butterfly is the national charity for all Australians impacted by eating disorders and body image issues, and for the families, friends and communities who support them. Butterfly changes lives by providing innovative, evidence-based support services, treatment and resources, prevention and early intervention programs, and by advocating for the needs of our community.
Editor and producers note
Please include the following support line details in all media coverage of this story and refer to the Mindframe Media guidelines for safe reporting on eating disorders.
Anyone needing support with eating disorders or body image issues is encouraged to contact:
- Butterfly National Helpline on 1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE) or support@butterfly.org.au
- Eating Disorders Victoria Helpline on 1300 550 23
- For urgent support call Lifeline 13 11 14
