Eating Disorders On Campus
Posted on: October 6th, 2014
Kudos to University of North Carolina for putting a spotlight on eating disorders. A recent event held on campus called Southern Smash encouraged students to smash their weight scales with bats and hammers. They were also invited to write down negative opinions of themselves, tie them to balloons and let them go. McCall Dempsey, the founder of Southern Smash said, “Our mission is to bring attention to not only eating disorders but also positive body image as well.”
What a powerful and creative way to raise awareness about eating disorders – and a college campus is the perfect venue for this type of event. Surveys conducted by the National Eating Disorders Association found that nearly twenty percent of college students in America reported struggling with an eating disorder or had done so in the past. Those most affected are women, but a growing number of men have eating disorders as well.
It’s clear college students are especially prone to developing eating disorders. Dr. Elizabeth Reyes, who coordinates the eating disorder treatment program at the University of Southern California, says, “Between school, extracurricular activities and the general pressures of being a young person, the average college student has a lot going on. When everything becomes too much, the need to regain control can cause students to develop an unhealthy relationship with food.”
It’s imperative that we redouble efforts to raise awareness on college campuses, because only a small number of those with eating disorders actually seek treatment. There are a myriad of reasons why students don’t seek treatment. Research shows the vast majority of students are simply unwilling to seek treatment. Other reasons include: not knowing they have a disorder, being unaware of treatment resources, lack of resources in their area, embarrassment, concerns about anonymity, and lack of knowledge by staff to refer students to treatment facilities.
I applaud University of North Carolina for drawing attention to this serious issue. Let’s hope more colleges follow their lead. If you suspect that you or a loved one has an eating disorder, Maureen Kritzer-Lange Psychotherapy can tailor a treatment program to meet your needs. Contact Maureen Kritzer-Lange at info@maureenkritzerlange.com, (973) 313-1691.
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