San Mateo County Highlights Eating Disorders Awareness Week Events

Redwood City -At 15, Frieda Edgette began quietly reorganizing her life around food and exercise.

She grew increasingly controlling about what she ate, rearranging her schedule to make time for what she described as "excessive exercise." Over time, she said, that control deepened and became "more isolated, more concealed," despite being naturally outgoing.

To others, she appeared capable and composed, but she said she often felt overwhelmed.

"It's not about the food," said Edgette, now 44 and a San Mateo County Behavioral Health Commissioner and a youth advocate. "It's about the feelings underneath - anxiety, chaos, things I didn't yet have the tools to manage."

Edgette was among the speakers Monday who kicked off Eating Disorders Awareness Week in San Mateo County.

The week's theme - "Break the Stigma. Start the Conversation." - echoes what health professionals and people in recovery say is essential: shame and stigma can delay help.

On Tuesday, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to vote on a proclamation designating Feb. 23 through March 1 as Eating Disorders Awareness Week, part of a national effort focused on early recognition and treatment.

"We brought forward this resolution to raise awareness about eating disorders and the importance of early intervention and compassionate care. No one in our community should struggle in silence," said Supervisor Ray Mueller. "Thank you to the experts and partners who informed this work, and to our intern, Danika Gonzalez Johnston, whose thoughtful research and commitment brought this forward."

Dr. Megen Vo, medical director of Stanford Medicine's Eating Disorder Outpatient Clinic, said the illnesses are complex and frequently misunderstood.

"About 10 percent of the population is affected by eating disorders. When you walk outside, one in 10 people you pass may be struggling in some way and you wouldn't know it just by looking at them," Vo said at the kickoff event, noting that this marked the first time that a county had invited her to speak about the issue.

"Eating disorders affect people of any age, body size or gender. And when one person is affected, it impacts their families, their relationships and their ability to function at school or work."

Research shows genetic vulnerability plays a role, and puberty can increase risk as bodies and brains undergo rapid change. Eating disorders affect multiple organ systems - another reason early intervention matters, Vo said.

Vo said providers are seeing children diagnosed at younger ages than in the past, with some patients in elementary school. "There is hope. People do recover," she said. "But recovery works best when families, schools and communities mobilize early."

For Edgette, who now works as a leadership coach and transformation strategist, isolation was one of the most damaging aspects of the illness, which she struggled with until age 30.

"Eating disorders are diseases amplified by isolation, secrecy and shame," she said. "You can't gauge the level of someone's struggle based on how they look."

She said warning signs may include dramatic shifts in behavior, increasing withdrawal, secrecy around food or exercise, or noticeable changes in mood. But appearance alone is not a reliable indicator.

Edgette frequently hears from parents and peers unsure how to approach someone they are concerned about.

"People are afraid to ask the question," she said. "But starting the conversation can reduce that isolation and open the door to support."

Community Events

In recognition of Eating Disorders Awareness Week, San Mateo County and community partners will host the following events:

Resource Fair and Panel Discussions
Wednesday, Feb. 25, 3 to 5:30 p.m.
Half Moon Bay Library, 620 Correas St.
Organizations including San Mateo County Behavioral Health Services, Healthy Teen Project, Coastside Pride, allcove San Mateo and National Alliance on Mental Illness San Mateo County will provide information on prevention, treatment and recovery supports. Panel discussions will feature clinicians and individuals with lived experience.

Virtual Body Positivity Workshop for Youth (Ages 12-25)
Thursday, Feb. 26, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Hosted by allcove San Mateo and Beyond Measure, this virtual workshop will provide tools and skills to help young people develop positive and sustainable relationships with their bodies. Registration is available at:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/smc-virtual-body-positivity-workshop-tickets-1983592614908

Cassandra Matter
Office of Supervisor Ray Mueller
[email protected]
650-363-4569

Effie Milionis Verducci
Interim Director, Strategic Communications
San Mateo County Executive's Office
[email protected]
650-407-4915