Eating concerns are not uncommon among the college and university population. Concerns about eating habits and behaviors affect people of every age, race, gender, social class/income, sexual orientation, and body size.
There are several types of eating disorders. Each of these disorders are characterized by persistent engagement in behaviors related to food, and these behaviors vary across a spectrum. Although eating disorders range greatly in how they might appear externally, each are an outward expression of underlying internal distress. Individuals who struggle with eating disorders often find that their self-worth is largely defined by appearance and body shape. Each eating disorder often comes with significant health risks and can impact your physical well-being and your emotional and social wellness.
The term “disordered eating” is used to describe the presence of unhelpful eating or obsessive behaviors (such as purging or over-exercising) that may not be as persistent or severe as those of a diagnosable eating disorder. However, disordered eating, like eating disorders, can be harmful and can lead to secondary negative experiences and may develop into an eating disorder over time.
Normalized eating is engagement in balanced, flexible, and sustainable eating that provides the body with what it needs to function fully. It is typical for people who engage in normalized eating to experience occasional over-eating or under-eating from time to time.
The term “body image” refers to how a person views and thinks about their body size and shape. Individuals with eating disorders often experience an unhealthy or negative body image. Those with negative body image may have distorted beliefs about their bodies or appearance. They may also hold their bodies to unrealistic or unhealthy standards. Individuals with healthy body image typically have fairly accurate perception of their bodies and feel content and comfortable within their bodies. Developing a healthy body image may occur over time, and it can be helpful to have a counselor’s help while working toward this.
The term “disordered eating” is used to describe the presence of unhelpful eating or obsessive behaviors (such as purging or over-exercising) that may not be as persistent or severe as those of a diagnosable eating disorder. However, disordered eating, like eating disorders, can be harmful and can lead to secondary negative experiences and may develop into an eating disorder over time.
Normalized eating is engagement in balanced, flexible, and sustainable eating that provides the body with what it needs to function fully. It is typical for people who engage in normalized eating to experience occasional over-eating or under-eating from time to time.
Fact:
Most people with eating disorders are NOT underweight. People at any weight may be struggling with severe eating disorders.
Fact:
There are many underlying factors that contribute to the development of an eating disorder. People who struggle with eating disorders may have an unhealthy focus on food and/or weight, exercise, perfectionism (related to grades, sports, occupational performance), obsessiveness, and control.
Fact:
Eating disorders are complex. Both genetic and environmental factors can contribute to the development of an eating disorder. Those who struggle with eating disorders have NOT chosen to do so. Hearing messages like “just choose to stop engaging in these behaviors” can feel invalidating and hurtful.
Fact:
People of all genders, races, ethnicities, and socioeconomic statuses can suffer from disordered eating and body image concerns.
Fact:
Eating and body image concerns of any type and severity are worth discussing in counseling. It is never necessary to wait until things get worse!
Recognize that health and wellness can be present at every size and shape.
Take note of positive qualities and achievements
Remember that the media’s definitions of beauty and success do not have to define an individual’s self-image or potential.
Decide how you experience the media messages you encounter, and view messages through a lens that protects self-esteem and body image, whether you identify as female, male, or Trans, Non-binary, or Non-conforming.
Learn to manage intense emotion that can often underlie behaviors by practicing the following:
Recognize that you are not your thoughts, and you are not your feelings. When we become fused with our internal experiences, this can lead to significant distress. Taking a step back from our thoughts and feelings can be helpful.
Consider a simple language change. For example, practice saying “I am having the thought that I am worthless” rather than “I am worthless.”
How we think about a situation can influence what we feel and how we act. Therefore, practice noticing thoughts, and check-in with yourself to determine the validity or truthfulness of these thoughts. Asking yourself the following questions might help:
Use the advantage of hindsight to reflect on past experiences with eating disordered behaviors and learn from them.
Consider how rules or unhelpful assumptions related to food, body image, and self-worth may be impacting your life. Practice challenging these assumptions by working through the following steps:
Become more in touch with what matters to you, and begin to live in accordance with these values. Ask yourself the following questions:
While the information on this page can be a helpful starting point, it is highly recommended that you seek professional assistance if you are struggling with an eating disorder, disordered eating, or body image concerns. Please call 406-874-6101 and speak with a Student Services Representative to schedule a counseling appointment to gain for more information.
