By Hannah Melcher
Alyssa Jones said she was in elementary school when she was diagnosed with an eating disorder.
“I was afraid of food,” Jones said, “and it caused so much stress and anxiety at such a young age.”
Eating disorders are very common on college campuses, said Marlana Bragg, assistant director of Bellarmine’s Counseling Center.
“According to data gathered by the National Eating Disorder Association,” Bragg said, “between 10% to 20% of women and 4% to 10% of men in college struggle with an eating disorder.”
Bragg said these numbers are on the rise due to several factors.
“Unhealthy relationships with food can become more problematic when a major change is in place like leaving home for college for the first time,” Bragg said.
Desire to fit in, stress from classes or other commitments and the pressure to be “perfect” are also common factors of eating disorders, Bragg said.
Jones, who was a dancer at the time of her diagnosis, said her eating disorder affected not only her ability to perform, but her mental health as well.
“I felt so worthless,” Jones said. “And no matter how low my weight was, I was never happy with myself.”
Bragg said there are many physical and mental health concerns that are a result of an eating disorder.
“Cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, neurological and endocrine systems are all affected,” Bragg said. “Mental health concerns can also further deteriorate a person’s ability to function.”
Emily Werner, associate director of Campus Wellness, said eating disorders are a major mental health illness that are often not discussed.
“Eating disorders can affect anyone,” Werner said. “They do not affect just one gender, age group or race.”
Bragg said it is important for students to be aware of the warning signs of an eating disorder.
“Preoccupation with food, dieting and exercise; refusal to eat certain foods or food groups; changes in mood or behavior; frequent body checking in the mirror; noticeable fluctuation is weight; trouble sleeping or concentrating; and dry or brittle nails, hair or skin are all signs of an eating disorder,” Bragg said.
Campus Wellness has many different events planned and resources available for National Eating Disorder Awareness Week Feb. 22-26.
Each day from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., peer wellness educators will staff informational tables at the University Dining Hall and Cafe Ogle.
Students can receive educational handouts, enter giveaways and participate in interactive activities.
Campus Wellness will also promote an anonymous online screening tool that analyzes eating attitudes and behaviors.
On Feb. 24, Bellarmine’s registered dietician will hold an online healthy snack demonstration on Campus Wellness’ Instagram.
Students who sign up in advance will receive a list of ingredients so they can make the snacks during the demonstration.
“Understanding nutrition and creating well-balanced meals is a great way for students to become more aware of their bodies and avoid disordered eating,” Werner said.
Body Project is an event on Feb. 26 led by peer wellness educators that focuses on positive body image. Students can register on Engage.
“Students will get together and discuss what makes students have the idea that they must look a certain way,” Werner said. “And they will discuss the importance of why these ideas are not true.”
Campus Wellness also will promote the Louisville Eating Disorder Clinic, which is the only location in Kentucky that provides treatment for eating disorder recovery.
Jones said she is glad that Bellarmine is bringing awareness to eating disorders.
“It is still a daily battle for me,” Jones said. “But what keeps me going is knowing that there are so many resources on campus to help.”
Bellarmine’s Counseling Center offers resources for students who are struggling with an eating disorder.
“In the first appointment, one of our full-time staff can begin to assess a student’s needs and make appropriate recommendations and referrals for care,” Bragg said.
The Counseling Center also connects students with other on-campus services, like Health Services or Bellarmine’s registered dietician.
Bragg said: “It is important to note if someone is struggling with an eating disorder, establishing a treatment team is important in providing optimal and ethical care.”
Outside of National Eating Disorder Awareness Week, Campus Wellness holds many other events throughout the year to bring awareness to disordered eating.
“Bellarmine’s registered dietician offers one-on-one nutrition coaching with students once a month,” Werner said. “She can answer any questions and even help students create nutritional plans for free.”
Each fall semester, Campus Wellness partners with the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) to hold a NEDA walk.
“It is a great way for students to get involved, raise awareness and raise money for the local NEDA chapter,” Werner said.
Bragg said she encourages anyone who is struggling with an eating disorder, disordered eating, negative body image or an unhealthy relationship with food to reach out for help and support.
“It is important that you feel this person would be validating your concern and would help you access the help you need,” Bragg said.
Jones said she wants other college students to know that they are not alone in their struggle with eating disorders.
“So many others are going through the same thing,” Jones said. “I know it is scary, but taking the first step into recovery will be so worth it.”