EATING Disorders Victoria will host an awareness and professional education session in Horsham on February 19.
Organisers said the session aimed to raise awareness of eating disorders and warning signs.
Eating Disorders Victoria recovery support officer Natalie Wild will host the session and Rachel Gellert of Horsham will speak.
Ms Gellert was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa and was unwell from 16 to 30.
She said several things triggered the illness.
"It was pressures of VCE, life's uncertainties and just general low self-esteem," she said.
"During the years I had a lot of hospital treatment, including being fed by a nasal gastric tube and being in intensive care several times."
Ms Gellert said she wanted to bring her body back to a place where it could function well.
"I had a lot of therapy and nutrition information, which helped a lot," she said.
She recovered from anorexia five years ago.
Ms Gellert is a member of Speakers Bank for Eating Disorders Victoria and often tells her story at events.
"It gives me a chance to tell my story in a way that won't risk triggering copycat behaviour," she said.
Ms Gellert hopes the education session will help raise awareness of different types of eating disorders.
"I hope it will enable people to notice warning signs in their friends or family and encourage them to get help," she said.
Ms Gellert said the session was for 'anybody and everybody' in the Wimmera.
"There isn't a lot of support available for people in rural areas," she said.
The session is in Horsham Uniting Church meeting room from 1pm to 3pm.
There will also be a session for the public from 7pm to 8.30pm.
Presentations will include prevention of eating disorders, signs and symptoms and what to say if people suspect someone has an eating disorder.
Ms Gellert said people wanting more information could call the eating disorders helpline on 1300550236 or visit eatingdisorders.org.au.
