Exposing the most intimate details of your life to a stranger can be the hardest part of getting help, especially if we’re not sure we need it.
But the only way to get help is to be open and seek it. It is even more important when the concern is a frequent occurrence, like eating disorders.
As students at the University of Idaho, we are fortunate to be surrounded by a network of friends and classmates, university sponsored events that offer help without criticism or judgment, and easy access to the Counseling and Testing Center.
UI will host a National Eating Disorder Screening Day from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 16 in the Idaho Commons. Although they don’t affect everyone, eating disorders are more common than people think and apply to women and men alike. They also include conditions beyond anorexia nervosa and bulimia, although the two frequently occur among college students.
Eating disorders are the leading cause of death for females between the ages of 15 and 24, according to statistics provided by the CTC. Research has shown that male dissatisfaction with body image has increased in recent years — about 10 percent of people coming forward to mental health professionals for eating disorders are male, according to the National Eating Disorders Association. For males and females, the effects of eating disorders are similar — excessive physical activity, depression, low self-esteem and a variety of additional health problems from extreme sensitivity to cold, gum disease and reduced immune system functioning.
Like other health issues, eating disorders can be treated with some help.
The goal of National Eating Disorder Day is to educate and screen college students who may be affected by eating disorders. The screening is intended to be a low-key and safe way for students who are concerned with their health.
It might feel odd to divulge our personal lives to someone we don’t know, but there is never a problem too serious or big that can’t be shared. Health care professionals are there to help and days like National Eating Disorder Screening Day are intended to provide support for those who need it. These people care and do not pass judgment on anyone.
No matter what the dilemma, ask for help — it’s all around.