From Hollywood tabloids to college campuses, eating disorders have become prevalent maladies across the United States. In fact, in the United States, eating disorders are more common than Alzheimer's disease, and anorexia nervosa has the highest premature fatality rate of any mental illness.
In an effort to increase education and discussion in regards to these serious illnesses, the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) is sponsoring this year's 19th annual National Eating Disorder Awareness Week.
This year's event - started by NEDA, the largest organization in the Unites States working to expand public understanding and prevention of eating disorders in order to eliminate them - is being spearheaded by Campus Counseling Services, in coordination with Wellness Education and Health Services.
"Eating disorders and body image concerns certainly affect college students who are trying to figure out their identity and their role in the world," said Thom Neill, a clinical social worker at the Counseling Center. "We're trying to help students come to a better understanding of their body and how they feel about it. Young people are hit hard because of the media, so we want to do something to give a message kind of opposed to the media, a message of 'love who you are.' "
The Student Wellness team will be kicking off the weeklong campaign on Tuesday and Wednesday with a clothing drive in support of this year's campaign, "Be comfortable in your genes."
"The message is to encourage students to accept the body they have and help others by donating jeans and other clothes that no longer fit to local charities," Neill said.
Wellness Education Services, located in 114 Student Union, will be offering free eating disorder screenings all week to help students assess their body image and eating attitudes.
"Clearly in terms of health and wellness, even though eating disorders are psychological... as Wellness we want to participate and promote positive body images and relieving stress," said Janice Cochran, registered dietician for Health Services and Wellness Education Services. "It definitely is a concern for college students and because of their nature, students may not seek help. The longer they go on, there's a risk for them to escalate."
Students can also gain information about nutrition, body image and eating disorders at any of the screening tables located in the Student Union, Harriman Hall, Alumni Arena and the Ellicott Food Court.
"Rates of eating disorders are a significant issue and are increasing in males as well," Cochran said. "(Because of) body image issues, (students) may turn to controlling their bodies to cope with things they can't control, and the media is turning towards putting more pressure on male students."
Neill said the basic message of this weeklong campaign is to promote awareness and provide assistance to students who might not otherwise seek help for eating disorders.
"We're trying to hit home the message to raise awareness that this is a serious issue and eliminate shame or guilt with food or body imaging and that it's ok to come forward, get help and share your story because you are not alone. It's okay and nothing to be ashamed of," he said.
There will also be information available on how to help a friend or loved one who might be dealing with an eating disorder.
"Info will be available on how to help a friend or loved one as well as practical tips on how to approach someone as well as learning some of the warning signs," Neill said.
