Almost everyone worries at some time about their weight, appearance, body image, and size. People with eating disorders deal with these worries in exaggerated form. These people's lives revolve around their fear of fat and food, feeling out of control, and trying to keep their eating disorder a secret from friends and family.
Although eating disorders usually get their start during the junior high and high school years, obvious symptoms may not become apparent until the college years. College students are particularly at risk for developing eating disorders. Some studies suggest prevalence rates up to 10% for eating disorders on college campuses, depending on the criteria used. The number of students with eating disordered behavior is increasing, as is the number of students seeking counseling and therapy for anorexia or bulimia.
WHAT CAUSES AN EATING DISORDER?
The reasons people develop eating disorders are numerous and complex. Frequently, these individuals suffer from low self esteem and feelings of lack of control and powerlessness. They are extremely critical of themselves or some aspect of their physical make-up. Food is used to cope with these issues and the related feelings. That is, in response to feeling "out of control" in certain relationships or in reaction to stressful events, people may binge, purge, or stop eating. These behaviors can serve to numb intense feelings, to avoid difficult personal problems, or to punish or reward oneself. Students with anorexia usually come from families in which they are viewed as "model children". Denying oneself food can be a way to feel "in control" with the ability to accomplish set goals. The individual with anorexia usually looks "perfect" on the outside but is often extremely depressed on the inside. Those with bulimia typically come from families in which feelings were not expressed in direct or safe ways. Bingeing and purging serve as a release of anxiety, depression, and/or anger. Overall, the transition from high school to college can feel overwhelming and eating disorders may develop or worsen as one tries to adjust to a new environment with new demands.
Biological and genetic factors may also play a role in the development of an eating disorder. The biochemical imbalances associated with depression may also affect ones eating behaviors. Research indicates that there may be imbalances in certain brain chemicals, called neurotransmitters, in the parts of the brain that control appetite, mood, and sleeping patterns. These imbalances may shed light on why people with anorexia can refuse food despite their hunger or why those with bulimia lose control of their eating. Many people with eating disorders have found anti-depressant medications a helpful part of treatment.
Social and cultural factors also need to be considered in the development of an eating disorder. Our society continues to promote unrealistic images of what women and men should look like. The standards for beauty in this country are more difficult, if not impossible, for the majority of us to attain. Yet, there is a multi-billion dollar weight-loss industry that works steadily to convince us that we can and should attempt to meet these unrealistic body images. Women and men who come from families where dieting is the norm and who accept societal norms without question are at an increased risk for developing an eating disorder.
HOW DO YOU RECOGNIZE AN EATING DISORDER?
Here are some symptoms, warning signs, and descriptors of anorexia and bulimia:
Anorexia
Bulimia
HOW DO YOU GET HELP FOR AN EATING DISORDER?
The majority of people can recover from an eating disorder, especially if they seek help from a trained counselor or therapist familiar with treating eating disorders. Since secrecy and isolation are some of the worst effects of having an eating disorder, if you do suspect someone you know has a problem, it is essential that you show that you are concerned and that you care.
Tell the person privately what you have noticed specifically and what concerns you have about their behavior. Allow the person to talk and be prepared for some resistance to opening up to you right away. Encourage the person to talk with a counselor; someone who understands the issues and who can assist in recovery. If necessary, offer to walk with the person to the Counseling Center to talk to someone - your support and friendship can help the person to take that important first step.
If you believe that you may be suffering from an eating disorder, the best thing you can do right now is seek professional help. The sooner you get started, the sooner you will be able to recover. At Appalachian State University, there are trained counselors and psychologists at the Counseling Center who can help by working with you in both individual and group therapy settings. Make the commitment to start getting better now.
UNIVERSITY RESOURCES
Counseling and Psychological Services Center
Miles Annas Student Support Building
828) 262-3180
Services: assessment, individual and group therapy.
Wellness Center
Miles Annas Student Support Building
(828) 262-3148
Services: nutritional assessment and education, groups for safe weight-loss and weight management.
Health Services
Miles Annas Student Support Building
(828) 262-3100
Services: health and nutritional assessment and education.
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
People with eating disorders and their families can receive information and help from the following organizations:
American Anorexia/Bulimia Association
418 E. 76th Street
New York, NY 10021
National Anorexic Aid Society
6655 South Yale Avenue
Tulsa, OK 74136
(918) 481-4044 www.laureate.com
National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders
Box 7
Highland Park, IL 60035
SUGGESTED READING
Costin, Carolyn. (1996). The Eating Disorder Sourcebook, Los Angeles: Lowell House
-Counseling Center Library
Hall, Lindsay. (1992). Bulima: A Guide to Recovery, 5th ed. Carlsbad, Calif: Gurze Books
-Counseling Center Library
Hirschmann, J. & Munter, C. (1989). Overcoming Overeating, New York: Fawcett.
-ASU Bookstore has in stock.
-Belk Library: RC552 .E18 H57 1988
Roth, G. (1982). Feeding the Hungry Heart: The Experience of Compulsive Eating, New York: Signet.
-ASU Bookstore has in stock.
-Belk Library: RC628 .R67 1982
-Counseling Center Library
Hall, L. & Cohn, L. (1986). Bulimia: A Guide to Recovery, Santa Barbara, CA: Gurze.
-ASU Bookstore will special order this book for you. -Belk Library: RC552 .B84 H35 1986
Siegel, M., Brismann, J. & Weinshel, M. (1988). Surviving an Eating Disorder: New Perspectives and Strategies for Family and Friends, New York: Harper & Row.
-ASU Bookstore will special order this book for you.
-Belk Library: RC 552 .E18 S54 1988
-Counseling Center Library
The Counseling Center offers after-hours emergency coverage for urgent mental health concerns such as suicidal thoughts, sexual assault, and other trauma. Call the Counseling Center at (828)262-3180 and select the option to speak with the counselor on-call.
For additional resources see our Emergency Services page.
