The National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) celebrated Eating Disorder Awareness Week from Feb. 22-28. The purpose of this week is, “to shine the spotlight on eating disorders by educating the public, spreading a message of hope, and putting lifesaving resources into the hands of those in need,” according to NEDA.
The NEDA Awareness Week theme is “Every Body Has a Seat at the Table,” and the goal is to encourage conversations about eating disorder awareness and share experiences from all backgrounds.
Wesley Leuzinger is an intern at the Milligan Counseling center and is currently in her second year of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at Milligan. Leuzinger is especially passionate about giving college students a safe place to discuss eating disorders and disordered eating habits.
“It is so important to raise awareness because eating disorders are addicting and debilitating.” said Luezinger. “There should be more awareness, especially among college students. There should be more people talking about their struggle with eating disorders. It is a hard thing to discuss, but it is important.”
Luezinger explained that college students are one of the age groups most likely to develop eating disorders, disordered eating patterns or an unhealthy relationship with exercise. According to a study by the Journal of American College Health, 13.5% of female and 3.6% of male college students admitted to experiencing eating disorder symptoms.
Although eating disorders are common on college campuses, Luezinger believes a significant amount of students go undiagnosed.
“There is a certain stigma and shame that is associated with eating disorders. I think that is why it is important to talk about them and share our experiences. Eating disorders are not a choice. At the counseling center, we want to treat any one who deals with these disorders.”
The Milligan Counseling Center does offer resources and help for eating disorders, and counseling sessions are free for Milligan students.
“The counseling center wants to be a resource for any issue students have…even if it is not an eating disorder, but any unhealthy relationship with food or exercise, we want to be someone students can talk to,” stressed Luezinger.
The Milligan Counseling Center is located in the Taylor-Phillips house, next to the soccer fields, on Milligan’s campus. You can schedule an appointment online here, or by calling 423.461.8500.
If you would like more information on eating disorders or the National Eating Disorder Association, you can visit their website.
Headline photo: The counseling center can be found in the Taylor-Phillips House on Milligan’s Campus.