Desjardins Insurance highlights gaps in eating disorder care as demand for mental health support rises
In an exclusive feature by Benefits and Pension Monitor in partnership with Desjardins Insurance, the growing demand for comprehensive mental health coverage in group insurance plans is highlighted, with a particular focus on addressing eating disorders.
Stephanie Ipavec-Levasseur, a product director at Desjardins Insurance, said, “We thought there was a gap, and that’s part of finding who our plan members are and making sure that they don’t encounter many difficulties or challenges. We don’t want people to feel like they’re thinking, ‘There must be a better way.’”
Eating disorders affect an estimated 2.7 million Canadians, including 1.4 million youth. Despite being serious but treatable mental illnesses, they often go undiagnosed or untreated.
According to Linda Booij, head of research and academic development at the Eating Disorders Continuum at the Douglas Mental Health University Institute, “Only about 20–25 percent of people with eating disorders seek help, and those who do often wait a long time before reaching out to health professionals.”
Booij explained that eating disorders are frequently misunderstood and not always visible, noting, “It’s a misconception that you need to be underweight to have an eating disorder or to receive treatment.”
Conditions such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder often occur with comorbidities like anxiety and depression. Despite these complexities, treatment can still be effective.
“People with comorbidities can do equally well in treatment,” Booij emphasized.
The pandemic has amplified the crisis, with a rise in cases and hospital admissions. Employers are in a unique position to support recovery by offering comprehensive group benefits that cover psychotherapy, nutritional counselling, and drug therapy.
Desjardins Insurance has partnered with private centres like EHN Canada to provide personalized recovery programs for eating disorder treatment at preferential rates. The company also offers health navigation services through Novus Health, which connect employees and their families with resources.
Ipavec-Levasseur explained, “This helps reduce the mental load for individuals trying to figure out their treatment plan.”
A key challenge remains the stigma surrounding eating disorders. Ipavec-Levasseur stressed the need for a supportive workplace culture where employees feel safe discussing their health issues.
“If an employee believes that they need to hide their health problems, they are much more likely to wait until the disease is extremely severe before they ask for help,” she said.
Booij encouraged seeking help early but reassured that recovery is still possible even after years of living with an eating disorder.
“The earlier you seek help, the better. However, even after living with an eating disorder for a long time, recovery is still possible, so don’t lose hope,” she said.
