he University Psychological Clinic is offering a nine-week informational and self-help support group for students with eating disorders and body image issues. Society and media images - found everywhere in fashion magazines, movies and MTV; not to mention standards created by cultural and social norms - make it quite clear how young adults are "supposed" to look. Developing and maintaining a positive self-image can be hard work. College students seem to be particularly vulnerable to poor body image that can lead to depression and anxiety or a full-blown eating disorder. During college, students are taught to scrutinize everything they see, and some people apply these newly honed skills to themselves. According to Anorexia Nervosa and Related Eating Disorders, Inc., 86 percent of people with an eating disorder develop it before the age of 20.
Recognizing an eating disorder in one's self or in others can be difficult. They are stereotypically seen as a white, heterosexual, upper middle-class women's issue. While 90 percent of people with anorexia or bulimia are women, people of both sexes, every race and economic background can potentially become obsessed with eating and their perception of themselves. Looking thin does not make one anorexic; being overweight does indicate a binge-eater. Having a "healthy" or "normal" body does not mean someone could not have an eating disorder. The line dividing "normal" eating patterns and eating disorders is often blurry. Many people, although not suffering from clinically defined eating disorders, have unhealthy eating and/or exercise patterns.
These damaging eating patterns can grow into a full-time obsession that affects all parts of the individual's life. It wrecks self-confidence in areas unrelated to one's body, such as academic performance. Eating disorders do not just affect the women and men who have them. It changes their relationships with friends and family. A friend can try to "be there" for them, but they won't be able to solve the problem, no matter how badly they try. But friends can learn to identify destructive eating behavior and can intervene.
The sooner an eating disorder is identified and treated, the easier and faster the recovery, and the smaller the potential for physical and emotional damage. Behavioral issues - like learning how to regain healthy eating habits and how to feel and respond to hunger again - and psychological issues - such as understanding and coping with the reasons behind and problems related to the eating disorder - are addressed in treatment. The support group run through the Psychological Services is a good resource and a great step in the right direction. The group starts Oct. 7 and interested students should call 764-3471 to register. The cost is $15 per meeting and $35 for an initial consultation.
Letting go of an eating disorder can be a scary prospect; an individual may feel it is engrained into their day-to-day life and a unique part of their identity. It takes a lot of hard work to transform self-destructive behaviors into healthy, self-affirming ones. But considering the pain of living with an eating disorder as well as the potential long-term damage that can result, the concerted effort is worth it.
09-24-98
| Previous Article | Next Article |
should be sent to: daily.letters@umich.edu | should be sent to: online.daily@umich.edu |