The University of West Florida has so many student organizations that it’s hard to keep track of all of them. A new student org that is slowly coming into the spotlight is Eating Disorders Awareness, formerly known as Eating Disorders Anonymous. This student org focuses on more than just eating disorders, but also accepting your current state of being while also striving to improve.
EDA is not just for students who suffer from an eating disorder, but also for students who have friends or family that may possibly be suffering from an eating disorder. Their goal is to reduce the stigma that surrounds eating disorders for both men and women.
EDA also focuses on helping college students feel comfortable in their own skin. At meetings, they encourage students to think positively about being healthy, having a good relationship with food, and being happy with the way they look.
Dr. Carolyn Pritchett, the EDA advisor, describes the org as a one that focuses on the idea of “Choose happy it feels better and looks good on you.” The whole premise of the org is to help students learn to accept the way they were made. Society has created this warped perception of what beauty is and the EDA focuses on helping students realize how society has taught them wrong. We are all special and unique and those who attend EDA meetings have the ability to learn more about themselves in a positive manner.
If you’re looking for a safe place to talk to someone about an eating disorder or just need help figuring out a good eating plan, you can attend any of the meetings or contact their advisor, Dr. Carolyn Pritchett. Everything you say will be confidential and all meetings are a judgment free zone.
EDA meeting times:
Monday Night at 5:30 p.m. UWF Commons, Room 272/265 (closed meetings for those suffering with eating disorders)
Skype Voice Meetings Sundays at 1 p.m. and Wednesdays at 6 p.m.
Last Tuesday of the month a Friends and Family support group meeting at 6:30, check Argo Pulse for details