Eating disorder event raises awareness
Mark Patel
Issue date: 11/7/08 Section: News
Men also play an important role in providing a positive environment where the development of disorders can be stopped. Working to stop the objectification of women is an important part of preventing the basic causes of eating disorders: obsession with shape and shame about one's body, Young said.
Research shows that eating disorders start as early as third grade and can rear their ugly heads during times of transition in people's lives, such as moving to college, graduating and having relationship issues, said Marcia Adler, coordinator for Student Health Services.
It is important to bring up the topic of eating disorders, including with events like "Dying to be Thin," because it is a show of support to those who are struggling, Young said.
"If we don't talk about it," Young said, "it's harder for people to get better."
The Counseling Center and Student Health Services can help students develop a strategy to bring up the issue if a friend has a problem.
The best approach is to have personal one-on-one time with the friend to discuss concerns, Young said.
"In the end, they will thank you for bringing it up and having concern for them," Young said. "Above all else, impart that you care."
Research shows that eating disorders start as early as third grade and can rear their ugly heads during times of transition in people's lives, such as moving to college, graduating and having relationship issues, said Marcia Adler, coordinator for Student Health Services.
It is important to bring up the topic of eating disorders, including with events like "Dying to be Thin," because it is a show of support to those who are struggling, Young said.
"If we don't talk about it," Young said, "it's harder for people to get better."
The Counseling Center and Student Health Services can help students develop a strategy to bring up the issue if a friend has a problem.
The best approach is to have personal one-on-one time with the friend to discuss concerns, Young said.
"In the end, they will thank you for bringing it up and having concern for them," Young said. "Above all else, impart that you care."
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