Eating Disorder Support
Mental health services for students trying to manage an eating disorder or disordered eating are important, in part so that the student can be successful in their academics. Our staff assists students in finding the appropriate level of care for these needs and symptoms.
Eating disorder support to help students whose symptoms are stable but need support to stay on track is available on campus. This support may also involve a referral to Campus Care or another primary care provider and a dietician. This support will likely include ongoing care coordination with previous providers.
If additional services are needed to assist a student with symptoms that are not currently stable or well-managed, we will help a student explore and access services at a higher, more appropriate level of care.
Wondering if you should seek help? Complete this eating disorder screening tool for a recommendation.
Support Through Ohio University
Eating Disorder Support Team
The Eating Disorder Support Team is an interdisciplinary team comprised of physicians, a dietitian, counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists who help students with eating and/or body image concerns.
This interdisciplinary team is designed to support students whose symptoms are currently stable but who need additional support to stay on track. Some students may need a higher level of care than the team is able to provide. When this occurs, members will work with the student to make referrals to other resources and treatment options.
Radical Body Image Acceptance Group
Students can join an eight-week, semi-structured group for body image acceptance based on an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) model. This group can accommodate broad concerns related to body image – clients learn powerful strategies to help accept and move beyond body image imperfections while identifying valued life areas where body image distress “gets in the way”.
Off-Campus Support
Dietitians
Aligned Nutrition
2025 Riverside Dr, Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43221
(614) 664-3646
Balanced Living Nutrition
16 West State Street
Athens, OH 45701
(740) 497-9249
Life Worth Living Ltd.
9560 Montgomery Rd.
Ste 100 First Floor
Cincinnati, OH 45242
(513) 257-2409
Lindsey Mathes Nutrition
4041 N High St.
Suite 402G
Columbus, OH 43214
Facilities and Therapy
The Emily Program
Call 1 (888) 364-5977 to schedule an assessment today or fill out online form to be contacted.
Eating Recovery Center
Call 1 (866) 419-2367 to schedule an assessment today or fill out online form to be contacted.
Eating Disorders vs. Disordered Eating
According to Teminah Zucker, LMSW, a therapist at an eating disorder treatment center, there are three key factors which distinguish an eating disorder from disordered eating: behaviors, obsession, and functionality.
Behavior
When a person is struggling with an eating disorder, they are typically engaging in several behaviors (e.g., weighing self frequently, restricting calories daily, eliminating groups of foods) multiple times per day or week. Sometimes these behaviors are done in secret which can make it difficult to judge based on behaviors alone.
Obsession
While it is normal to think about food when hungry or what you will have for your next meal, a person struggling with an eating disorder, may find thinking about food as all-consuming and exhausting (e.g., constantly thinking about the next meal, the number of calories, how to avoid the next meal, where to buy the food). It becomes significant when focus is impaired and a person’s ability to remain present is interrupted.
Functionality
When the relationship with food and eating patterns affect normal functioning, then it is likely an indication of an eating disorder. This may look like avoiding going out for dinner with friends due to fear of eating the wrong thing, eating alone due to fear of judgment, skipping time at work or school due to fear of missing time to exercise, or experiencing medical issues due to lack of adequate nutrition.
Please remember, it is important to not diagnose others without involving a professional. However, this information can be viewed as warning signs that a person would likely benefit from the support of mental and physical health providers.
SOURCE | Zucker, T. (2021). Eating disorders vs. disordered eating: What’s the difference? Retrieved from NEDA.