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Because no one should face an eating disorder alone.
Eating disorders affect males and females of all ages and backgrounds. They appear to be on the rise, typically first manifest in the adolescent years and can have devastating impacts. In fact, they have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness.
To help Albertans who are impacted, the Eating Disorder Support Network of Alberta (EDSNA) offers professionally-facilitated support groups in Edmonton and Calgary as well as online support group in order to reach as many people as possible.
To raise awareness about these complex and often misunderstood illnesses, EDSNA also hosts Eating Disorder Awareness Week in February and offers presentations to healthcare professionals, community groups, parents, educators and post-secondary institutions.
EDSNA is a tiny charity with a very big heart. We only have one full-time employee. We keep our administrative costs extremely low through partnerships and have been lucky to attract highly-qualified professionals to facilitate our groups at rates below their standard fees. Our volunteers (including our Board) are extremely motivated and generous.
Everyone is working to make EDSNA thrive because they know how critical support can be when facing an eating disorder. And our ongoing evaluation and data collection demonstrates the impact we are having. In the words of one participant: "You probably saved my life."
What People Are Saying
"Hearing the struggles other parents are facing and listening to what worked. Being able to share experiences, fears, hopes with people who understand exactly how I feel. The compassion of the facilitator and the understanding of all the other parents. (Answers to: What Helped You Most?) "
— Participants, Parents, Partners and Loved Ones Support Group
"Thank you again from the bottom of my heart. This is a fantastic program and I was lucky to be a part of it. "
— Participant, Support Group for People with Eating Disorders
"The openness and honesty of the group was amazing. I felt safe and able to reach out when I never thought this would be possible. I finally didn’t feel ashamed. The tools and resources were great."
— Participant, People with Eating Disorders Support Group
"Sue Huff combines the brilliance of a gifted communicator with her profound lived experience as a parent of a child diagnosed with an eating disorder. Sue removes the stigma of mental illness with her presentation. "
— Ara Parker, Department of Psychotherapy & Spirituality, St. Stephen's , Read More
