Photo from: http://www.websterwellnessprofessionals.com/images/time-to-heal.jpg
Statistics from ANAD, a website devoted to the prevention of eating disorders, show that 50% of people living with an eating disorder also suffer from depression. A small portion of only one in ten men and women with eating disorders receive treatment.
Only 35% of people that receive treatment for eating disorders go to a specialized facility. Commonly people perceive women in particular to be the ones who battle disorders, for reasons such as: the pressure upon women to be “perfect” like models, or any other unrealistic depiction of females.
However, up to 24 million people of all ages and genders suffer from an eating disorder in the U.S. So, what is the percentage of students dealing with these disorders? 91% of women surveyed on a college campus had attempted to control their weight through dieting 22% dieted “often” or “always.”
95% of those who have eating disorders are between the ages of 12 and 25 The mortality rate associated with anorexia nervosa is 12 times higher than the death rate associated with all causes of death for females 15-24 years old.
Over one-half of teenage girls and nearly one-third of teenage boys use unhealthy weight control behaviors such as skipping meals, vomiting, and taking laxatives. An estimated 10-15% of people with anorexia or bulimia are male. Also, men are less likely to seek help because of the perception of it being a “woman’s disorder”. With these odds considered, you have to wonder: how many students here at York Suburban are battling this disorder?
How to spot an eating disorder? Here are some symptoms: excessive concern about weight and body shape, unexpected weight loss, disappearing to the bathroom after meals, secretive eating or discovery that food is missing, evidence of laxative abuse, food group avoidance, skipping meals, avoiding eating in front of others, and so forth.
If you recognize symptoms such as those above, in yourself or others, there are places to turn to for help. There are helplines, treatment centers, and specific therapists to aid you through recovery. If you need help contact places such as: The Renfrew Center in Philly, Woodland Forge in Phoenixville, and Life Counseling Services in Paoli. There are also helplines that you can call or text at any hour. Don’t suffer in silence.