Press Release

Free Community Events for National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, Feb. 21-27

Body Acceptance Advocate Speaks on Self-Care;
Mandalas, Meditation and Music Workshop

Release Date: Feb. 4, 2016 

In honor of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week taking place Feb. 21-27, The Center for Eating Disorders at Sheppard Pratt is hosting two free community events that are open to the public, including:

  • “Adventures in Self-Care: Everyday strategies for nurturing an imperfect recovery in the real world” featuring YouTube star and body acceptance/eating disorder recovery advocate Melissa Fabello, from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 21, and
  • “Mandalas, Meditation and Music” mindfulness workshop, from 7-8:45 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 25.

The week will kick off with Fabello’s interactive presentation providing personal insight on the journey to recovery from an eating disorder and ways to heal from the inside-out that will inspire all ages and genders to apply concepts of radical self-love to their own lives.

Fabello is managing editor of Everyday Feminism, the largest independent feminist media site in the world, and is pursuing her Ph.D. in human sexuality studies. Melissa has worked closely with The National Eating Disorders Association, The Representation Project, and Adios Barbie on campaigns related to body image, eating disorders, and media literacy. She additionally utilizes social media as a platform to promote body acceptance. With more than 8,000 subscribers to her YouTube channel, Fabello takes a candid approach to speaking about culture and her own recovery story, inspiring many to join her movement.

Later in the week, a workshop will offer experiential opportunities to explore the benefits of mindfulness using art, music and meditation. Under guidance from clinical experts, guests will be introduced to ways to reduce stress, improve overall well-being and support eating disorder recovery, including:

  • Introduction to the benefits of mindfulness
  • Mindful music techniques
  • Calming jars & guided meditation
  • Art as a tool for stress relief: mandalas & music

Attendance for both events is FREE, but space is limited. Pre-registration is required by visiting eatingdisorder.org/events or calling (410)-427-3866 to reserve seats.

Events will take place at The Conference Center at Sheppard Pratt, at 6501 North Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21204. Follow the signs upon entrance, or call reception for instructions at 410-938-3900. 


About Sheppard Pratt

Sheppard Pratt is the largest private, nonprofit provider of mental health, substance use, developmental disability, special education, and social services in the country. A nationwide resource, Sheppard Pratt provides services across a comprehensive continuum of care, spanning both hospital- and community-based resources. Since its founding in 1853, Sheppard Pratt has been innovating the field through research, best practice implementation, and a focus on improving the quality of mental health care on a global level. Sheppard Pratt has been consistently recognized as a top national psychiatric hospital by U.S. News & World Report for more than 30 years.