February is National Eating Disorder Awareness Month—a month to educate citizens on the effects of these specific mental illnesses and provide support for those suffering.  

Research shows that adolescent eating disorder-related hospital admissions are on the rise following the COVID-19 pandemic. Contributing factors include heightened stress, anxiety, unhealthy eating habits, and increased social media usage. 

If you’re concerned your girl is suffering from disordered eating, don’t ignore the signs. Obsessive exercise, preoccupation with nutritional information, and disrupted eating patterns—like portion sizes and eating alone are all tell-tale signs of struggle. With pastoral and professional mental health support you can guide her to rediscover the Truth about her image and identity as a beloved daughter of the King. 

Listen to the Raising Godly Girls Minute with Patti Garibay: