Stress

Stress, depression typical culprits of eating disorders say experts

By Sarah Blount
The Vista
U. Central Oklahoma

(U-WIRE) EDMOND, Okla. -- According to a 10-year study by the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, 46 percent of reported eating disorders are patients between the ages of 16 and 20.

University of Central Oklahoma students who know someone suffering from anorexia, bulimia or compulsive overeating may feel confused and think they can't offer any help.

People who suffer from these eating disorders require professional care, but there are many organizations, Web sites and literature that offer advice for friends who want to help and give support.

"[New college students] move from a structured environment to one where they have to learn to structure and manage their own time. That can stress them and throw them into an eating disorder," said Janis Chapel, outreach and counseling coordinator of UCO Counseling Services.

Many other factors may play a part in the development of these illnesses.

According to the Department of Health and Human Services in Washington, D.C., certain personality traits, low self-esteem and feelings of helplessness are typical causes. Department studies also show a connection between sexual abuse and clinical depression, and the development of eating disorders.

Chapel refers to www.somethingfishy.org, a Web site on eating disorders, which states all forms of eating disorders are emotionally based, and the behaviors are only a symptom to emotional and stress related problems.

The Web site has compiled a list of things to keep in mind as an "outsider" (someone not suffering from an eating disorder):

1. Realize that there are no easy answers or cures for an eating disorder.

2. Give your friend encouragement and support. Take care of yourself, too. You can help your friend by listening and by encouraging him or her to get help.

3. Recognize that you must help your friend get professional help.

4. Don't waste time trying to figure out why this is happening or blaming others. That only gets in the way of helping your friend find help.

5. Be aware of your own behaviors and don't take on the job of protecting someone who is in trouble with food and weight problems.

6. Don't limit your friendship to talking about problems and eating disorders. Talk to your friend about other important things.

7. Avoid becoming the 'Food Police.' Don't try to monitor their weight or food intake.

8. If you are the type of person who is always trying to help your friends then you may need to talk to someone, too. Feeling responsible for others can make you feel drained and resentful.

UCO students can go to the Student Counseling Center located in University Center, room 402, for anonymous support and treatment.

Treatment at the Counseling Center includes a psychological evaluation and referral to a nutritionist at the Student Health Center.

"We encourage people to come to counseling if they have an eating disorder," Chapel said, "the sooner we identify the problem, the easier it is to cure."

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