This week is National Eating Disorder Awareness Week. All week, check Newswire for eating disorder-related articles. 

Six common myths about eating disorders:

1. Myth: "This is just a phase."

Eating disorders are serious, life threatening issues that have psychological and physical consequences. Individuals often require psychological treatment in order to recover fully, and may need some form of medical intervention as well.

2. Myth: "I am the only one who struggles in this way."

Around 20 percent of college students struggle with eating disorders. Many more experience significant issues with food and body, but would not qualify for the diagnosis of an eating disorder. Eating disorders can impact a person's life including friendships and romantic relationships, academic success, stress levels and self-esteem.

3. Myth: "It's not an eating disorder because I still eat … I don't throw up every day."

When many people think of eating disorders, they often imagine more extreme forms of the disorders. A diagnosis of an eating disorder is made when one's struggle with food or body negatively impacts their quality of life and/or when someone engages in behaviors meant to promote weight loss that put their life at risk. Often times, a person struggles in less extreme ways such as restricting their food intake throughout the day by eating a meal in the evening, or someone who vomits a couple times a week.

4. Myth: "I can just work through this on my own."

Research suggests that most individuals who experience symptoms require some level of intervention to fully recover. The most common form of treatment is counseling. Treatment is most effective when it is sought out early and at the appropriate level of intensity. Additionally, counseling may help a student even if she or he has ceased engaging in eating disorder behaviors.

5. Myth: "I can't be in medical danger … I'm not thin or underweight."

An individual does not need to be underweight to be malnourished or to experience significant health problems. You may feel fine, but this does not mean that your body isn't struggling.

6. Myth: "I will always feel this way."

If you follow your counselor's recommendations, you should be on your way toward working through your eating disorder issues. The process may be hard and take more time than you desire, but getting counseling and a physical exam are steps in the right direction.

(Content sourced from nedawareness.org)

Want to learn more?

The Pat Walker Health Center will host an eating disorder awareness event from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 26, in the Arkansas Union Connections Lounge. Stop by the event to learn more about the team and the resources available on campus.