Eating Disorders
There’s a big difference between “normal” dieting and eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia.
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SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS Anorexia
Bulimia |
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About Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are compulsions to eat or avoid eating that are harmful to one’s physical and mental health. As many as 10% of women and 1% of men suffer from an eating disorder. Eating disorders often begin during high school or college. The two most common eating disorders that also include issues of control and body image distortion are anorexia and bulimia.A person with anorexia has an obsessive fear about being overweight, and control body weight by voluntary starvation, purging, excessive exercise or other weight control measures. They often have body image distortion issues, believing they are overweight when they can be dangerously underweight. It's estimated that as many as one in ten people with anorexia will die from complications of the disorder.
In contrast, a person with bulimia is often a normal weight for their age and height, so those closest to them may not realize that anything is wrong. People with bulimia often binge and purge in secrecy, feeling ashamed when they binge, yet relieved once they purge.
Eating disorders can cause serious, and potentially fatal, medical problems that affect the heart, brain, and other body organs. It is important to know that men can have these disorders too, although they are much more common in women. Anorexia can co-occur with other disorders, most commonly depression, social phobia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Dealing with Eating Disorders
Fortunately, there are a variety of effective and available treatments for anorexia and bulimia such as counseling and/or medication. If you are concerned that you or someone you know may have an eating disorder, contact your school’s health or counseling service, especially if thoughts of suicide are present. The successful treatment of eating disorders includes addressing both their emotional and physical symptoms.
Resources
Help is often available on or around campuses through the following resources:- Student counseling center
- Student health service
- Resident hall director, dean, academic advisor, tutor, or faculty
- Campus religious or spiritual leader
- Community mental health center
- Local crisis center or hotlines
United States:
National Suicide Prevention Hotline
With more than 130 crisis centers across the country, our mission is to provide immediate assistance to anyone seeking mental health services.
Helpline: (800) 273-8255 (TALK)
For further information:
National Eating Disorders Association
Dedicated to providing education, resources and support to those affected by eating disorders.
Helpline: (800) 931-2237
Overeaters Anonymous
Offers a program of recovery from compulsive eating using the Twelve Steps
National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders
Advocacy and support for those suffering from eating disorders
Helpline: (847) 831-3438
The Jed Foundation
Works nationally to reduce the rate of suicide and the prevalence of emotional distress among college and university students.
Mental Health America
Dedicated to helping ALL people live mentally healthier lives.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
The nation’s largest grassroots organization for people with mental illness and their families.
Helpline: (866) 615-6464
National Institute of Mental Health
News, overview, clinical trials, research, treatment, organizations on suicide provided by National Institute of Mental Health.
