In Europe, up to 14% suffer from eating disorders. women and men. These disorders have almost the highest mortality rate among mental illnesses – 1 person dies every hour from eating disorders. A large number of people do not seek help for a variety of reasons - denial, shame or ignorance.
Delay in referral, referral, treatment, recovery and relapses when repeated treatment is required - the whole process can last about 6 years or more, in some cases the disease lasts 10-18 years. The longer the duration of the disease, the lower the chance of recovery. Some studies show that men have no fewer symptoms of eating disorders than women. Parents and relatives of sick children and teenagers are often confused and do not know how to behave, how to understand and support their child, where to turn for the necessary help.
Eating disorders are a disease, not a free choice. The occurrence of the disease depends on many factors. Although we do not choose to be sick, we can choose to get well. The emotional support line for people with eating disorders and their loved ones was created to let as many people as possible know that there is a way out. A welcome can start with a simple conversation and a spark of hope.
The goal of the project is to reduce the stigma of the disease, encourage people to talk about difficulties and not be afraid to seek help. We will not replace specialists and treatment, but we aim to become a bridge connecting sufferers and helpers, listening to the difficult moment of illness or relapse, early warning signs as soon as the germs of the disease start to sprout.
This project aims to:
• facilitate the path to recovery for up to 416 people per year;
• inform those suffering from eating disorders and their relatives about the possibilities of specialized help;
• talk openly about the seriousness of the disease and its consequences;
• to be there and support when you want to engage in behavior characteristic of the disease or when you feel shame, anxiety, or hopelessness;
• provide an opportunity to receive specialized emotional support for persons living in any area of Lithuania, as well as for Lithuanians living outside Lithuania;
• to contribute to the development and implementation of the prevention and postvention system for eating disorders, which does not yet exist in Lithuania.
The Eating Health Line is a non-profit toll-free emotional line that helps people with eating disorders and their families. The Eating Health Line is founded by the initiative of the Vilnius Psychotherapy House.
