Body Image Week continues with anorexia discussion
By BIRGIT HEINISCH
News Writer
Offering support to those suffering and those helping their friends through the disorder, counselors and students joined together Wednesday evening to speak out on anorexia. The discussion is a continuation of Body Awareness Week.
"Bottom line is that there are different ways to cope with problems. Anorexia is one maladaptive way," said Susan Albers, a counselor at the University Counseling Center.
Anorexia is "like an iceberg," said Albers. "You can see the physical binging and purging but there are many underlying symptoms that you cannot see." Physical and behavioral symptoms such as frenetic exercising and mood swings are visible, but there are many psychological symptoms beneath.
"Control is a big thing with eating disorders. There was a correlation between stress and eating for me," said Darcy McLaughlin, a former anorexic.
Anorexia is a serious eating disorder. Every year, "10 percent to 20 percent of people who have anorexia will die," said Albers.
For this reason, Albers stresses the importance for friends to step into the situation. As a friend, it is necessary to be sympathetic. One must know "how much shame, how much pain goes along with the disorder," said Albers.
It is important to approach your friend as soon as possible. "Stop being silent," said Jessica Johnstone, a student.
There are several steps to take and certain techniques to apply. First, "structure an intervention," said Albers.
Decide who should talk with the friend and plan for an appropriate time to meet. Also prepare by practicing how to confront your friend. This allows you to "identify rough spots and to notice how you're coming across," said Albers.
When trying to address this issue with a friend, the most important thing is to not comment on physical appearance. Comments about being healthy or about being too thin are usually interpreted as something different. Sufferers of anorexia "manipulate anything about appearance [as a reason] to continue the disorder," said McLaughlin.
"One may inadvertently reinforce the disruptive behavior [through commenting on physical appearance]," said Albers.
Instead, focus the discussion on progress in mood. A person suffering from anorexia can relate the better emotional feeling with true health and feeling good rather than with physical health and appearance.
Putting the focus on positive traits improves self-esteem, which will lead to more success with the disorder, panelists said.
Other strategies include using "I statements."
When discussing anorexia with a friend, it is important to list behaviors which are causing concerns to those friends.
Having resources and additional help, such a counselor, a rector or parents are key elements as well.
Commenting on an anorexic's food consumption can lead to them becoming less open. The opposite effect is being achieved; their behavior is more secretive, panelists said.
One should "let them eat as much as they eat," said McLaughlin. "Avoid the hover and smother method," said Albers.
As a friend, it is good to prepare for many responses and to be patient. A person suffering from the anorexia could admit having the disorder or become defensive and ashamed.
It is important not to argue and instead be comforting.
One approach is to say, "I'll approach you again because I'm concerned," said Albers.
There is always the chance that one's suspicions are wrong, yet voicing concerns are still significant.
"Yes, I was angry at first [at being confronted by my teacher and friends], but now I appreciate that they approached me," said McLaughlin.
On campus, it is important to realize that we "live in a competitive environment," said Johnstone. There is a need to live up to others' or one's own expectations.
Yet, perfection should not be striven for. With help from friends battle against anorexia can be won.
Through self-awareness and determination, a sufferer of anorexia can "realize that anorexia is not a comfort but just an escape from reality," said McLaughlin.
All News Stories for Thursday, March 1, 2001
