Calgary meetup for people with eating disorders to launch next month

This story was originally published Sept. 23.

New resources are on the way for people in Calgary suffering from eating disorders.

The Eating Disorder Support Network of Alberta, whichhas been operating in Edmonton for two years, will begin meetups in Calgary the first week of October.

"Eating disorders are an illness that affect a surprising number of people," executive director Sue Huff told the Calgary Eyeopener."Most suffer in shame and secrecy,and it's a very isolating illness."

Huff said she hopes the group helps those struggling with eating disorders to connect with one another as well as with community support and education.

"Once people realize they're not alone, the clouds start to lift a little," she said. "It's amazing[when]you put people in a room who are all experiencing the same thing ... the incredible strength they all draw from one another."

Calgary Eyeopener6:47Eating Disorder Support Network of Alberta expands to Calgary

The Eating Disorder Support Network of Alberta is expanding to Calgary. Sue Huff, the organizations executive director, talks about the services that the group provides.

There are a number of "gaps" in care for sufferers of eating disorders in Calgary, said Huff, including family doctors with little or no training when it comes these illnesses.

"We don't have enough treatment options, we don't have a residential treatment centre anywhere in Alberta," she explained.

Huff said misconceptions about eating disorders be it on the part of doctors, teachers, parents and family members makes identifying,treating and living with the illnesses more difficult.

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With files from the Calgary Eyeopener