In beginning the new year, many have resolutions to make this year better than the last.Whether it be by working to become happier, study harder, or healthier, it is common to make positive goals to better one self in some way.
Being in college, students have the freedom to choose their eating and exercise habits. Unfortunately, but some take self-improvement a step too far. National Eating Disorder Awareness week begins February 22 through 28, reminding the community that eating disorders are a huge deal for our society, with more than 11 million Americans suffering from them.
90 percent of eating disorders begin between the ages of 18 and 35, and 25 percent of college students develop eating disorders, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Students have the freedom to choose what and when they eat as well as how much they work out. Some take these resolutions too far, and they become obsessed with these “self-improvements”.
Dr. Ovidio Bermudez the Chief Clinical Officer and Medical Director of Child and Adolescent Services Eating Recovery Center has been treating patients recovering and coping with disorders such as anorexia. Bermudez has seen eating disorders grow in various demographics such as younger children, older adults, men, and various ethnic groups.
“Disorders in younger and younger patients (as young as seven years of age). Eating disorders in more mature stages of life, particularly in women in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. Eating disorders in men include anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorders. Eating disorders happen in people of all ethnic, racial and socio-economic backgrounds. Eating disorders truly have become non-discriminating.” said Bermudez.
Many college students may feel pressure from their families, peers or society to look a certain way. Add ongoing stress from school or even a genetic trait to these factors, and one may have been passed down from a family member.
Jordan Hamrick, a freshman at CU, has had friends struggle with eating disorders. She agreed that it is easy to develop and continue having an eating disorder while in college.
“It’s easier because no one is holding you accountable. You don’t eat because of stress, but personally I really don’t feel the pressure. We do have a reputation here that everyone is really pretty and really fit so people feel they need to be this fit Boulderite personality.”
“While eating disorders can affect someone of any age or gender, 90 percent of eating disorders occur in 12-25 year olds. Puberty and major transitions such as going to college may trigger eating disorders as people try to cope with drastic life changes. Of the estimated 30 million people in the United States with eating disorders, about 10 million of them are men and 20 million are women, according to the National Eating Disorders Association.” said Bermudez
If someone in your life is struggling with what seems to be the beginning of an eating disorder or already has one, being supportive and positive are the best ways to help them through their current troubles. Hamrick knew a few girls her age who struggled in the past and went through therapy for them.
“A couple people that are around my age, who are girls, have had them. They have all recovered. I know one of them was in a program in the hospital and the other went through therapy.” said Hamrick.
“If you suspect someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, the best thing to do is be direct, honest and supportive. Share why you are concerned and be persistent if you believe something is truly wrong. The sooner they can be assessed and treated, the better the chance they have for full recovery. Early recognition and timely intervention are, still today, our best tools to fight eating disorders.”
Various forms of treatment exist for someone struggling with an eating disorder. While everyone is different, treatments may include: inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient and outpatient levels of care. Each of these forms of treatment includes medical, psychiatric, psychological and/or nutritional programming components, depending on what the patient may need.
Eating disorders are not an illness that can be forgotten about over night or recovered from without seeking medical treatment. This week is a reminder to many who have struggled with an eating disorder or know someone who has, that it is a serious matter. Being there to support either a friend or family member and get them the right form of treatment when they cannot on their own, may be crucial when they are struggling with something as dangerous as an eating disorder.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Erin Stenhouse at erst2977@colorado.edu.
