Aware to host talk on the drive for perfection

Eating disorders have one of the highest rates of suicide of any psychiatric disorder.

Community organization Aware plans to address the issue with a Town Talk on The Drive for Perfection Wednesday, Oct. 8. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. at Emmet O’Neal Library, 50 Oak St.

Dr. Nicole Siegfried will discuss the relationship between eating disorders and suicide and the feelings of disconnection, burdensomeness and psychological pain that place individuals with eating disorders at risk for suicide.

AWARE member Kat Lawson has herself faced mental illness, suicidal ideation and attempt, and loss of a loved one to eating disorders. She agrees it’s time to address issues like these.

“No longer can we afford to think of mental health issues, despair or hopelessness as weakness,” she said. “No longer can we view these issues with shame and fear. We have all been touched in our community. It is time to drop the mask, open our hearts, minds and eyes to what is going on and without fear stand up and say ‘Not one more.’”

Fellow member Sue Martin also recognizes the importance of the issue.

 “If AWARE had existed when I was in the throes of my own eating disorder, I might have been able to break the silence and ask for help,” Martin said. “This is a marvelous opportunity for our community to learn about eating disorders from an expert in the field.”

Speaker Dr. Nicole Siegfried, who is also recovered from an eating disorder,  is the clinical director for the Highlands Treatment Center for Eating Disorders in Birmingham. She is a licensed clinical psychologist and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist. She previously served as clinical director for a national treatment center for eating disorders and is currently an adjunct associate professor at UAB. She is an international presenter in the field of eating disorders and suicidality. Dr. Siegfried, who is also recovered from an eating disorder, has more than 15 years of experience working with patients with eating disorders and helping to transform their lives.

To learn more, visit the Aware page on Facebook.