Eating Disorders
- Getting help at the Student Development and Counseling Center
- Tips for Overcoming an Eating Disorder from Women Who Have Recovered
- What to Do If You Are Concerned About a Friend
- Resources and Related Links
Eating disorders are not just about the struggle with food. They are about feelings of powerlessness, low self esteem and an exhausting drive toward perfection and control. Eating disorders are characterized by a rigid focus on weight, body shape, fat, and food. They can occur at any age but it is common for them to begin during the teen years. Attending college can in itself be a major stressor for someone battling with an eating disorder as well as those students who struggle with their own body image and self esteem. The pressure to fit in and make new friends is accompanied by our societal pressures that define attractive as “thin”. It seems as if societal messages direct us to believe that we are not good enough as we are and there is always some way we could be better. In particular, we are directed to strive for a body weight that is unnatural and unhealthy. Both men and women succumb to these pressures as eating disorders are experienced by both genders. While eating disorders are dangerous and can have life threatening consequences, they can be resolved with the help of a professional counselor.
If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder the Student Development and Counseling Center (SDCC) can provide confidential counseling to help guide you to recovery. The SDCC is open M-F between 8am and 5pm. To schedule an appointment please call ext. 5540.
Eating Disorders have been categorized as Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge Eating Disorder. Although each has its own unique symptoms it is possible to have a mixed group of symptoms such as Anorexia Nervosa with purging.
The following are basic definitions and symptoms provided by the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA).
Anorexia Nervosa is characterized by self-starvation and excessive weight loss.
Symptoms include:
- Refusal to maintain body weight at or above a minimally normal weight for height, body type, age, and activity level
- Intense fear of weight gain or being “fat”
- Feeling “fat” or overweight despite dramatic weight loss
- Loss of menstrual periods
- Extreme concern with body weight and shape
Bulimia Nervosa is characterized by a secretive cycle of binge eating followed by purging. Bulimia includes eating large amounts of food--more than most people would eat in one meal--in short periods of time, then getting rid of the food and calories through vomiting, laxative abuse, or over-exercising.
Symptoms include:
- Repeated episodes of bingeing and purging
- Feeling out of control during a binge and eating beyond the point of comfortable fullness
- Purging after a binge, (typically by self-induced vomiting, abuse of laxatives, diet pills and/or diuretics, excessive exercise, or fasting)
- Frequent dieting
- Extreme concern with body weight and shape
Binge Eating Disorder (also known as Compulsive Overeating) is characterized primarily by periods of uncontrolled, impulsive, or continuous eating beyond the point of feeling comfortably full. While there is no purging, there may be sporadic fasts or repetitive diets and often feelings of shame or self-hatred after a binge. People who overeat compulsively may struggle with anxiety, depression, and loneliness, which can contribute to their unhealthy episodes of binge eating. Body weight may vary from normal to mild, moderate, or severe obesity.
Other Eating Disorders can include some combination of the signs and symptoms of anorexia, bulimia, and/or binge eating disorder. While these behaviors may not be clinically considered a full syndrome eating disorder, they can still be physically dangerous and emotionally draining. All eating disorders require professional help.
Getting help at the Student Development and Counseling Center
Individuals with eating disorders tend to define their self-worth in terms of their body shape and weight. One explanation for this is that the person may see physical appearance as being more controllable than other aspects of life. The person then focuses on controlling their appearance. However, there are often underlying issues (i.e. anxiety, depression, relationship stressors) that the individual is neglecting to address.
The focus of counseling with eating disorders is to help the individual accept that extreme weight control measures do not work to address the core issue. These unhealthy attempts to influence weight often impair physical health and undermine self-esteem. The goal of counseling is to support the individual in being able to let go of automatic self critical thoughts and focus more on living consistent with ones values and goals. Individuals are then empowered to enhance their self concept through acceptance of those things they cannot change and exploring growth in areas that they are able to control.
Eating Disorders can be treated. If you or a student you know could benefit from treatment for an eating disorder contact the SDCC. Appointments can be made in person at the West Street House, by calling 508-831-5540, or by emailing sdcc@wpi.edu. All our staff and counselors are sensitive to student concerns regarding confidentiality and are happy to answer any questions students may have on this matter.
Optimally, treatment should be facilitated by an interdisciplinary team which includes medical evaluation and monitoring as well as personal counseling. SDCC staff are able to work collaboratively with WPI Health Services and/or Primary Care Physicians. In addition, staff at the SDCC may provide a referral to a local provider that specializes in the treatment of eating disorders. This will depend on the needs of the individual student.
Individuals who actively participate in treatment will gain knowledge and skills in the following areas:
- A better understanding of their eating disorder
- A greater awareness of triggers and urges related to the disorder and skills to respond to them in ways that promote personal wellness vs. destructive behaviors
- Realistic thought process
- Healthy eating and exercise patterns
- Enhanced self esteem
- Management of self-harm, impulsive behavior and substance use
- Coping skills to deal with anxiety and depression
- Communication and assertiveness skills to improve relationships and build more authentic connection with others
Tips for Overcoming an Eating Disorder from Women Who Have Recovered
- Acknowledge that your behavior is unhealthy and you need to make changes. Change is YOUR choice.
- Don't wait for others to "fix" you. Take responsibility for your own recovery.
- Learn to listen to your "self." Recognize and honor your needs and wants. Spend some quiet time so you can hear your "self."
- Focus on feelings before, during and after you binge, purge or restrict. Whatever you are feeling is valid. Find alternative ways to resolve these feelings. Don't stuff them -- express them!
- Stop comparing yourself to others. You are a unique and valuable person just as you are. Value your individuality.
- Set small goals that you can accomplish easily, and congratulate yourself for every success.
- Focus on the present and positive aspects of your life. Let go of the past and the future.
- Become aware of your negative self-talk (i.e. I can't do that because I'm fat. I always make mistakes). Challenge and dispute that talk (i.e. I am successful at . . . The size of my body does not determine my worth). Replace the negative statements with positive statements and encouragement (i.e. I have value. It is o.k. to make mistakes. I learn from my mistakes).
- Take time to nurture yourself in ways other than with food, such as a walk, a movie, a hot bath, a special present.
- Enjoy your body. Do activities you like, such as dancing, massage, yoga, swimming, biking.
- Talk to someone rather than turning to food for support. Keep talking until you find someone who is willing to unconditionally accept your body, your feelings, your needs; to accept your "true self."
- Start trying to appreciate different achievements in yourself and others. Work toward the point where weight and appearance are no longer something by which you rate your success. Think about your accomplishments, positive personal qualities, and valued relationships.
- Identify goals and activities you have been putting off until you're thin, make a list and start doing them now. Appreciate who you are now and start living your life today.
- Explore your possible ambivalence about giving up these behaviors and your fear of living without these old coping techniques. Take the risk to try new behaviors, without being certain of the outcome.
- Recognize your personal rights. You have the right to say no. You have the right to express your feelings or your opinion. You have the right to ask to have your needs met.
- Keep a journal of your experiences, feelings, thoughts and insights. This is a safe place to be honest with yourself -- the journal is for your eyes only, no one else will be reading it or judging it. The journal can also help you identify your "triggers" so you may prepare yourself to choose alternate strategies.
- Develop a creative outlet. Take up painting, drawing, writing, dancing, and singing. No one will judge it, and it is a great outlet for expressing feelings.
- Don't let the scale run your life. Remember the numbers on a scale are not a value judgment on your self-worth. Give the scale away.
- Dispute the concept of a cultural ideal of beauty as being unrealistic. People come in all shapes and sizes. The concept of an ideal body is a form of prejudice, similar to racism.
- Seek professional help for guidance in your recovery. Help can be found from counselors, psychologists, support groups, family doctors, and nutritionists, experienced in helping people recovering from eating disorders.
- Relax. Be kind to yourself. Trust yourself. You can make changes.
Taken from University of Victoria Counseling Services Webpage
What to Do If You Are Concerned About a Friend
- Set aside time to talk privately. Honestly express your thoughts in a caring and straightforward way.
- Listen. Encourage your friend to talk about their struggles and how they feel about themselves. They may feel more comfortable talking about their experience adjusting to college, academic pressures, or relationships rather than specifically talking about their eating disorder. Appreciate their openness and the risk they take to share.
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Express your concerns without being judgmental. Give specific behavioral examples. Avoid placing shame or guilt for your friend’s behavior and attitude. Use a calm, supportive, and directive approach. Use I statements. For example:
- “I’m concerned about you because you refuse to eat lunch.”
- I’ve heard you throwing up in the bathroom and I was hoping we could talk about what is going on.”
- Explain that you feel these concerns warrant professional help. Expect denial and resistance. Offer to help make them an appointment. Walk with them to the SDCC if it makes them more comfortable.
- Find outside help for yourself. You can talk to a counselor, doctor, or attend a support group for family and friends of someone who has an eating disorder.
- Avoid making comments on weight or appearance. Even if you mean to “complement” someone you may be reinforcing their belief that value is in their physical appearance.
- Learn as much as you can about eating disorders. It will help you understand where your friend is coming from.
- Be patient. Your friend may not dramatically change overnight. Overcoming an eating disorder is not about willpower. It takes time and the support of friends, family, and professionals.
Resources and Related Links
About Face – a website aimed at giving woman tools to understand and resist media messages that affect self esteem and body image http://www.about-face.org/
Self Assessment Tool/ Test https://www.mentalhealthscreening.org/screening/welcome.asp
Eating Disorder Association http://www.edauk.com/
Eating Disorder Publications Resource Catalogue www.bulimia.com
Eating Disorder Recovery Online http://edrecovery.com/
Freedom from Eating Disorders http://www.freedomfromed.com/
National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) http://www.edap.org/p.asp?WebPage_ID=337
Massachusetts Eating Disorder Association (MEDA) http://www.medainc.org/
MyEatingDisorder.com http://www.myeatingdisorder.com/myeatingdisorder/
The Eating Disorder Foundation www.eatingdisorderfoundation.org
Maintained by webmaster@wpi.eduLast modified: June 27, 2008 10:58:10