Yesterday, we discussed ways to manage disordered eating behaviors when life feels out of control and how the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene can negatively impact individuals living with an eating disorder.
Today, I want to focus on food insecurity and how it’s currently affecting many of our friends, family members, neighbors, and loved ones who have been directly impacted by this storm.
We know that when access to food becomes limited or unpredictable, such as after a natural disaster, individuals are more likely to restrict their food intake to make any available resources “stretch” or last longer.
The compulsion to restrict food intake, combined with the psychological impacts of experiencing a significant traumatic event, can lead to the onset of an eating disorder or worsen existing symptoms.
Additionally, these eating disorder-related symptoms may not resolve even when access to food improves. In many cases, especially when individuals have experienced significant trauma, they may experience emotional dysregulation and a need to regain control, which can drive disordered eating behaviors such as restriction, binge eating, or purging.
People may also use food to cope with overwhelming emotions, dissociate, or avoid reliving the traumatic experience.
So, how can we prevent this?
If you are currently in an area impacted by Hurricane Helene and have limited or unstable access to food, here is an updated list of places where food resources are available as of 10/3/24:
Food Resources for Individuals Impacted by Hurricane Helene in Buncombe County, NC and Surrounding Areas:
MANNA Food Bank
570 Brevard Rd
Parking lot to the left
Dates: October 3-5
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Asheville Middle School
211 South French Broad Avenue
Dates: Daily from 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Items:
1 case of bottled water per family, per day
2 Meals Ready to Eat (MRE) packages per adult and 1 MRE package per child, per day
Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center
121 Shiloh Rd
Dates: Daily from 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Items:
1 case of bottled water per family, per day
2 Meals Ready to Eat (MRE) packages per adult and 1 MRE package per child, per day
(Information provided by the NC United Way, updated 10/3/24)
Additional Food Resources:
World Central Kitchen
The World Central Kitchen prepares fresh, nourishing meals for communities impacted by natural disasters.
They are currently located in Western North Carolina and have been distributing free water and meals to areas affected by Helene. Please follow their social media account to access the latest information regarding their location:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DAn5c_9Rqrz/?igsh=MWFnZDdrNGMwMXM2dw==
r/Asheville Subreddit
The r/Asheville subreddit may not be an official source of information; However, individuals in the community are using the platform as a way to organize, answer questions and share information, including current information on where to access water, food resources and other necessities around the Western NC region. You can find the link to the subreddit here: https://www.reddit.com/r/asheville/s/OS0JTJ2G82
https://www.reddit.com/r/asheville/s/5DepDZIq8V
If you are indirectly impacted by hurricane Helene, but would like to help by donating food, water, clothing, supplies or other necessities in your area, please contact The United Way of NC at 2-1-1 for an up-to-date list of local donation drop off points in your area.
Need Support Navigating an Eating Disorder?
If you or someone you love is struggling with disordered eating behaviors or body image dissatisfaction, The Mindfulness Space in North Carolina is here to help!
We offer outpatient-level eating disorder treatment to address the underlying psychological factors that often contribute to or worsen their symptoms through psychotherapy services! We also provide a full comprehensive clinical assessment to determine the severity of your symptoms and help you to determine which level of care is best for you!
Stefanie Lawson is a licensed therapist with nearly a decade of clinical experience, and is the owner of The Mindfulness Space therapy in Greensboro, North Carolina. She specializes in treating underlying depression, anxiety, stress, unresolved trauma, and other mental health concerns that often lead to eating disorders and body image dissatisfaction, including Body Dysmorphic Disorder, in adults and transitional-aged teens.
The Mindfulness Space is an in-network provider with many insurance plans, including Cigna, Aetna, United Healthcare, United Behavioral Health, and Optum. Contact us today to learn more and schedule your free 30-minute consultation with us today!
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