Local veteran nonprofit SeaWaves partners with Crisis Text Line to offer support

Local veteran nonprofit SeaWaves has partnered with the Crisis Text Line to offer support to those struggling with eating disorders.

The partnership will bring free, comprehensive, confidential, worldwide, 24/7 care to those in need. 

"This is more than crisis management; it's about early intervention, whether the issue is big or small," Horizon West resident and founder of the nonprofit, Leah Stiles, said. "This was the sole and original intention of starting SeaWaves!"

SeaWaves is a nonprofit organization committed to aiding service members and their families in combating eating disorders within the military community. 

The nonprofit's vision is "to create a military community where proactive measures are taken to prevent the development of eating disorders and early intervention and accessible treatment options are readily available."

According to SeaWaves, studies show that from 2017 to 2021, eating disorders in the military skyrocketed by 79%. Eating disorders have the second highest mortality rate of all mental illnesses, and the No. 1 cause of death in eating disorders is suicide. 

Stiles dedicated two decades to the U.S. Navy, where she rose through the ranks to retire as a Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist.

After facing her own challenges, it has become Stiles’ life mission to aid other service members battling eating disorders. She is committed to establishing beacons of awareness, education and support for her military family, navigating alongside them through uncharted waters.

"We thought it may take years to find the perfect partner," she said. "I'm so excited to share this with everyone as the upcoming holidays hit. It's a proud moment for us to provide this essential support."

Those needing support can text "WAVES" to 741741. 

For more information on SeaWaves, click here.

To read more about Stiles' journey, click here.