Office of Student Wellbeing partners with Renfrew Center to bring awareness to eating disorders
Eating disorders affect a significant number of college students across the United States every year, and the Office of Student Wellbeing is shedding light on this important issue and the resources available at Lipscomb.
Kim Chaudoin |
Eating disorders typically begin between 18 and 21 years of age, according to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA). The association estimates that between 10% and 20% of women and 4% to 10% of men in college suffer from an eating disorder, and rates are on the rise.
As part of National Eating Disorders Awareness week, Feb. 22-28, Lipscomb is partnering with the Renfrew Center, a Nashville eating disorder treatment facility, to bring awareness to the university community.
Eating disorders can often develop when the need to feel control over a stressful environment is channeled through food restriction, over-exercise, and an unhealthy focus on body weight.
“College students find themselves at times in stressful situations as they’re in a new environment, meeting new people, have a hectic schedule and other situations that can create anxiety,” says Paige Benda, student care coordinator in the Office of Student Wellbeing. “And often eating disorders are associated with other mental and behavioral health issues. We wanted to create awareness of eating disorders so that those in our community know what resources are available as well as how to recognize signs of eating disorders in ourselves or in others.”
Paige Benda
Sarah McCormack, also a student care coordinator at Lipscomb, said the university partnered with the Renfrew Center for a series of events during NEDA week to help bring awareness to the Lipscomb community.
“We want to create a safe space to have conversations and create awareness,” says McCormack. “The Renfrew Center is a great partner in helping us shine light on this issue. It is an organization that works specifically with those who have eating disorders and have resources to support the work we do on our campus. In our roles caring for students, we want to learn more and seek to understand eating disorders so we can serve our students better.”
Lipscomb and the Renfrew Center NEDA week activities include:
- Feb. 22: Yoga class
- Feb. 23: Art therapy- Drawing from withing
- Feb. 24: Exploring Mindfulness
- Feb. 25: Cooking demonstration
- Feb. 26: Instagram Live event
Events are free but registration is requested. Register at www.renfrewcenter.com.
Sarah McCormack
Warning signs
According to NEDA, the term “eating disorder” typically refers to one (or more) of the following:
Anorexia Nervosa is characterized primarily by self-starvation and excessive weight loss.
Bulimia Nervosa is characterized primarily by a cycle of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors, such as self-induced vomiting, in an attempt to counteract the effects of binge eating.
Binge Eating Disorder is characterized primarily by recurrent binge eating without the regular use of compensatory measures.
Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder is a feeding or eating disorder that causes significant distress or impairment but does not meet the criteria for another feeding or eating disorder.
There are several “red flags” for recognizing the early stages of eating disorders. These include:
- Preoccupation with weight, food, calories, dieting, and/or body image.
- Development of abnormal, secretive, extreme, or ritualized food or eating habits.
- Withdrawal from usual friends and activities.
- Evidence of binge eating, such as the disappearance of a large amount of food.
- Evidence of purging behaviors, including frequent trips to the bathroom after meals, self-induced vomiting, periods of fasting, or laxative, diet pill, or diuretic abuse.
- Compulsive or excessive exercising.
- Discoloration or staining of the teeth.
- Feelings of isolation, depression, anxiety, or irritability.
Friends are likely to notice warning signs of an eating disorder.
“When we meet with students we often see them in specific environments and for a limited time frame” explains McCormack. “But friends and RAs in the dorms see them day in and day out and are in a position to see behavior changes. They are on the front lines to notice these red flags and peer-to-peer support is really important.”
How to help
Having a conversation with a loved one who exhibits eating disorder behaviors may be difficult, but NEDA offers several helpful suggestions.
- If you are worried about someone’s eating behaviors or attitudes, then it is appropriate for you to express your concerns in a loving, supportive way.
- It is important to handle these issues with honesty and respect. It is also important to discuss your worries early on, rather than waiting until they have endured any of the damaging physical and emotional effects of eating disorders.
- Because your loved one’s health, or even their life, may be in danger, it is important not to keep your concerns a secret for fear of making them angry or getting them in trouble.
- Other people in their life need to know so they can encourage them to acknowledge their problem and get help. If your friend is under 18, a trusted adult needs to know immediately.
- In a calm and caring way, talk to your loved one about specific things you see or feel. Share your memories of two or three times when you felt concerned, afraid, or uneasy because of their eating or exercise rituals. Talk about the feelings you experienced as a result of these events.
- It is best to focus on the specific signs and symptoms that have caused you to feel concerned, not the person’s weight or appearance. Try to do this in a very supportive, non-confrontational way. Three suggestions to try:
- Use “I” statements. “I’m concerned about you because you refuse to eat breakfast or lunch. I feel afraid when I hear you vomiting.”
- Avoid accusatory “You” statements. “You have to eat something! You’re out of control!”
- Avoid giving simple solutions. “If you’d just stop then everything would be fine.
Where to turn for help
“We want students to know that we're here for them and that they're not alone in facing this struggle. There is hope,” she says. “There are a lot of myths and misconceptions surrounding eating disorders and we want to break through those stereotypes.”
Benda says Lipscomb students have several resources available to them.
On Campus Resources
The University Counseling Center provides free, private counseling services to Lipscomb students. Schedule an appointment here.
Student care coordinators Benda and McCormack in the Office of Student Wellbeing partner with students to ensure wellbeing through connecting them with resources and coordinating support services. They focus on educating and advocating for wellness within the university community while promoting the holistic health of each student. Schedule a time to connect with them here.
Additional Resources
National Eating Disorders Association
Text ‘NEDA’ to 741-741 for 24/7 crisis support or call 800-931-2237
The Renfrew Center
Free, virtual webinars (some for Renfrew Alumni only, some for professionals, but others available to all!). Complete schedule here.