Chocolate chip cookies, tight jeans, the nutritional information on the back of your morning cereal box: these all seem like commonplace things, but for those affected by eating disorders, just their presence may be enough to trigger unhealthy behavior.
The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that a shocking 25% of college students show symptoms of eating disorders. Put this into perspective: that’s one of every four people in your class.
Quick facts: Eating disorders, as you may well know, are mental, not physical afflictions. Oftentimes, they are accompanied by body dysmorphia, the distorted view of the body from a personal perspective. They have the highest death rate of any mental illness, with the survivors typically battling some version of their disease and/or the physical repercussions for the rest of their lives. Fewer than 30% ever actually (fully) recover.
If you have an eating disorder: address the issue. Oftentimes, the sufferer relies on their ED as a crutch and begins to see their behavior as “normal”. If and when you come to terms with the fact that this un-safety net is slowly killing you, do something about it. Go at your own pace. Set reasonable goals for yourself in regards to recovery and mental stability, nothing visual. See a specialist, journal about it, and open up to your loved ones when you are ready.
If you sense a loved one may have an eating disorder: do NOT broach the issue (unless, of course, the progression has become quite serious or he/she has explicitly expressed plans of action to you). This could give off the feeling that you are pressuring, or worse, judging them. The very best you can offer is support and an open ear. Progress must first start with them, and concurrently, they must want to get better.
Eating disorders are sensitive topics and often still taboo in many circles outside of the medical field. What we must remember is that there is hope for everyone afflicted and that under the right circumstances, and hopefully as time wages on, their prevalence will diminish.
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