HEALTH
RECOVERED OU offers a host of resources to assist students who struggle with eating disorders. BY MELISSA GOODNITE
A
t any given college across the nation, 10% to 20% of women and 4% to 10% of men suffer from an eating disorder, according to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA). Anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder are four of the most common eating disorders that can, in some cases, be life-threatening. Many people don’t realize when they actually have a disorder and therefore do not seek treatment in the early stages. NEDA defines anorexia as “an eating disorder characterized by weight loss (or lack of appropriate weight gain in growing children); difficulties maintaining an appropriate body weight for height, age and stature; and, in many individuals, distorted body image.” People with anorexia often count calories and restrict food intake, and sometimes the disorder leads to excessive exercise, vomiting or purging through laxatives or excessive fasting, NEDA states. However, not all of those symptoms have to be present to be diagnosed with the condition fasting. Alex Gardener*, a junior at Ohio University, was diagnosed with anorexia in February 2018 and says her journey with this disorder has been “isolating, especially in college.” “It can feel like you’re so alone sometimes. I feel like no one understands me, which causes me to withdraw,” Gardener says. “I was so focused on my body image. I wanted to change the way I looked. Growing up, I felt pressure to maintain my smallness just because everyone would always comment on it or point it out. It’s also hard when some of my family members don’t believe I have a disorder, even though I was diagnosed.” Like Gardener, many people who struggle with eating disorders feel unsupported by their friends and family and are reluctant to admit they are struggling because of stereotypes that surround eating disorders. According to NEDA, some of the common misconceptions are: that eating disorders are a choice; that they only affect women or unless an individual is emaciated, they do not have a serious problem. Those misconceptions create a stigma around eating disorders that can be avoided through open conversation and a willingness to learn about the facts and symptoms of eating disorders. If approached properly, family and friends have the opportunity to create a foundation for recovery for their loved ones who are struggling.
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backdrop | Spring 2020
Ohio University psychologist and coordinator of the Eating Disorder Support Team (EDST) Susan Folger says the facilities at OU are beneficial to students with eating disorders. “Eating disorders affect everyone,” Folger says. “All races, genders and body shapes. Disorders are very complex. They’re elusive and difficult to treat.” EDST works closely with students who are generally stable, Folger says. The team currently includes psychologists, counselors, psychiatrists and physicians. “Each student must sign release forms that allow for coordination between all of the team for support.” Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) provides therapeutic aid to students with mental health illnesses like eating disorders. Counseling expenses are covered under the guaranteed plan. In spring 2020, a new opportunity will be available at OU to help students increase body confidence. The Body Project is a NEDA-sponsored event that helps counteract current beauty standards held by many women and young girls. According to NEDA, the group-based prevention program “provides a forum for women and girls to confront unrealistic beauty ideals and engages them in the development of healthy body image through verbal, written and behavioral exercises.” The Body Project has been found to decrease risk factors for eating disorders and decrease risk for future eating disorders, but those struggling with an eating disorder should primarily seek professional treatment through CPS. Outside of the university, more treatment options are available within Athens County. Hopewell Health Centers Inc. offers a variety of health-related resources under its Behavioral Health Services, as well as its Primary Care, that can help with eating disorders. OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital also has nutritionists on staff who are equipped to assess nutrition and provide counseling if needed. Although eating disorders are complex and challenging to treat, there are many medical and therapeutic treatments available as well as accessible research to combat the mental illness. NEDA has a large database for those interested in learning more about eating disorders. Combating an eating disorder does not have to be done alone, and with the ever increasing amount of resources available to the public, there is always someone able and ready to listen. b * The name of the source has been changed to protect her identity as she continues her recovery journey.
