College Transition
The transition to College is a time of growth, self-discovery, and a mix of excitement and anxiety. It's also a time when many young adults face increased stress and pressures that can lead to the onset or exacerbation of eating disorders. Research has shown that the transition to college puts students at high risk for developing an eating disorder due to increased social pressures for thinness and exposure to disordered eating behaviors (Hillary L. McBride and Janelle L. Kwee). In this blog post, we'll explore the challenges of managing eating disorders in college, the signs to watch for, and strategies for seeking help and maintaining balance.
Understanding Eating Disorders:
What Are Eating Disorders? Eating disorders are both physical and mental health conditions characterized by an unhealthy relationship with food and eating, distorted body image, and often an obsession with food, weight, and body shape. The three most common types of eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder.
Common Triggers:
Academic Stress: The pressure to excel academically can lead to anxiety and a sense of inadequacy, which may trigger or exacerbate eating disorders.
Social Pressure: College life often revolves around social events, where body image concerns may intensify due to peer pressure and societal beauty standards.
Transition Stress: The transition from high school to college can be overwhelming, leading some individuals to turn to disordered eating to manage stressors.
Challenges of College Life with an Eating Disorder:
Academic Challenges: The focus on grades and deadlines can be stressful and trigger eating disorder behaviors, such as restrictive eating, binging, or excessive exercise.
Social Pressure: College campuses can be exceptionally focused on comparison and competition, exacerbating body image issues.
Irregular Schedule: Erratic class schedules and late-night studying can disrupt circadian rhythms and eating patterns, leading to disordered eating habits.
Changes to Eating Structures: Cafeteria dining and limited food choices can make it challenging to maintain an eating pattern you were once comfortable with, leading to anxiety around food and meal times.
Limited Support: Students may feel isolated and lack access to support systems, especially if they're far from home.
Seeking Help and Support:
If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder in college, it's crucial to take action and seek help:
Confide in Someone: Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or mentor. Sharing your struggles can be a powerful first step toward recovery.
Counseling Services: Most colleges offer counseling services that can provide support for mental health issues, including eating disorders. Get help!
Support Groups: Joining a support group for individuals dealing with eating disorders can provide a sense of community and understanding.
Academic Accommodations: Speak with your professors or academic advisors about your situation. They may be able to provide accommodations.
Registered Dietitian: Consult with a registered dietitian who specializes in eating disorders. They can help you develop a healthy relationship with food.
Online Resources: There are many online resources and helplines available for individuals struggling with eating disorders, such as the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA).
Maintaining Balance:
Recovering from an eating disorder in college is a journey that requires patience and self-compassion. Here are some tips for finding balance:
Prioritize Self-Care: Make self-care a priority by practicing relaxation techniques, mindfulness, stress management, and joyful movement.
Build a Support Network: Surround yourself with supportive friends, family and a streatment team who understand your challenges.
3X3X3 Rule for Eating: Focus on maintaining three meals per day and 3 snacks about every 3 hours.
Academic and Social Balance: Find a balance between academics and social activities. Don't be afraid to say no to events or commitments that feel overwhelming.
Set Realistic Goals: Set achievable goals for yourself, both academically and in your recovery journey.
Harm Reduction: Reducing the harmful consequences of eating disorder behavior through the practice of using skills and safer behaviors without engaging in full abstinence. For more information on this movement, please read and subscribe to the work of Gloria Lucas at Nalgona Positivity Pride.
Navigating college life while coping with an eating disorder is undeniably challenging and exhausting. Seek help, build a support network, and prioritize balance with academics. College should be a time of personal growth and self-discovery, and with the right support, you can overcome the obstacles that an eating disorder may present and thrive academically and emotionally.
Sasha Taylor, LMFT, CEDS. Eating Disorder Therapy in Claremont, CA