Updated March 4 to correct two titles.
Across commonwealth communities, countless individuals grapple with eating disorders — complex health conditions that often remain hidden. Nationally, approximately 28.8 million Americans will experience an eating disorder in their lifetime, with these disorders affecting 9% of the U.S. population.
In Virginia, this translates to hundreds of thousands of our neighbors, friends, and family members facing eating disorder challenges daily. What’s more, eating disorders — including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder — have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness.
This National Eating Disorders Week, the first lady’s office joined with Dr. Alexis Aplasca from Virginia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services and the author of “Hungry: Celebrating Life After Overcoming an Eating Disorder,” Caroline Cook, in discussions with Virginia students and Women+girls to raise awareness of the issue. Cook’s candid description of her journey was supplemented with a larger discussion of mental health challenges and resources being prioritized by the state.
Cook felt a strong calling to share her personal story and shed light on what living with an eating disorder is truly like. She wants others to know that freedom from an eating disorder is not only possible but something worth celebrating! Through her message, she encourages individuals to be the change — reminding them that while eating disorders are contagious, so is recovery. Cook collaborates closely with Renewed.org, a fantastic resource and support system for those struggling with eating disorders and seeking professional help.
As a child psychiatrist and pediatrician, and as the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services’ chief clinical officer, Aplasca underscored that these illnesses are not just about food — they are complex psychiatric conditions that often coexist with other mental health disorders. Research shows that more than 70% of individuals with eating disorders also struggle with conditions such as anxiety (50%), mood disorders (40%), personality disorders (53%) and substance abuse (10%). The onset of eating disorders, particularly anorexia nervosa, commonly occurs between the ages of 12 and 25, making early identification and intervention critical. Yet, too often, these disorders go undetected or untreated due to gaps in our healthcare system.
This is why we are taking steps to address many of these needs through Governor Youngkin’s Right Help, Right Now (RHRN) Behavioral Health Transformation Plan. RHRN aims to build a trauma-informed, evidence-based continuum of care. This initiative focuses on increasing access to mental health services, reducing barriers to treatment, and fostering collaboration across state agencies and community organizations.
However, government action alone is not enough. Communities play a vital role in supporting individuals with eating disorders. Education is paramount; by understanding the signs and symptoms, we can intervene earlier and provide greater support.
If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, resources are available. The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) offers support and information at nationaleatingdisorders.org or by calling the helpline at 800-931-2237. To learn more about Virginia’s crisis care through RHRN visit hhr.virginia.gov. And if you or someone you love needs help immediately dial 9-8-8.
Together, we can make a difference — one story, one conversation, and one act of compassion at a time.
Suzanne Youngkin is First Lady of Virginia.
Dr. Alexis Aplasca is a psychiatrist, pediatrician, and the Chief Clinical Officer for the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services.
