Eating Disorders Screening Day

EATING DISORDERS DO NOT HAVE A LOOK

THEY COME IN ALL SHAPES AND SIZES
 

Join Counseling and Psychological Services as we host our third annual

Eating Disorders Screening Day

When: Tuesday, February 26, 2019 11am - 2pm

Where: August Center

Eating disorders frequently appear during the teen years or young adulthood. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 1 in 4 college students has an eating disorder. Despite their frequency, eating disorders are diagnosable and treatable.

Our RIT campus is no exception! Here are results from the 2017 National College Health Assessment reflecting the percentage of the 2,103 students who responded to the survey who indicated that they are already diagnosed or treated by a professional for the following:

Anorexia             .3% male              1.5% female                       Total: .9%

Bulimia                 0% male               1.5% female                       Total: .8%

The free and confidential screening is designed to help students examine any thoughts or behaviors that may be associated with eating disorders. After completing the self-assessment screening for anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder students will have the opportunity to talk with a counselor, schedule a consultation if they choose to, receive information about treatment options at RIT, and obtain educational materials on eating disorders and other mental health concerns.

This event offers students a great opportunity to support fellow students and speak out against stigma! The educational event coincides with National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (February 25 – March 3), an annual campaign to bring attention to the importance of eating disorder treatment. The initiative is made possible by Screening for Mental Health’s CollegeResponse ® National Eating Disorders Screening program ®.

Some common eating disorder signs and symptoms include:

ÔùÅ Frequent comments about feeling “fat” or overweight;

ÔùÅ Behaviors and attitudes indicating that weight loss, dieting and control of food are becoming primary concerns;

ÔùÅ Skipping meals or taking small portions of food at regular meals;

ÔùÅ Hiding body with baggy clothes;

ÔùÅ Evidence of binge eating, including disappearance of large amounts of food in short periods of time;

ÔùÅ Maintaining excessive, rigid exercise regimen—despite weather, fatigue, illness or injury—because of the need to “burn off” calories;

ÔùÅ Drinking excessive amounts of water or using excessive amounts of mouthwash, mints and gum.