This week we are working with the Trent University Sense of Belonging to shed some awareness on eating disorders and different experiences some Trent students have had with eating disorders. We are going to start the week with some information and throughout the week we will be adding some personal stories.
Written by Trent University Sense of Belonging
According to the American Psychological Association and the DSM IV, eating disorders are “behavioral conditions characterized by severe and persistent disturbance in eating behaviors and associated distressing thoughts and emotions. They can be very serious conditions affecting physical, psychological and social function”. Though the definitions around disordered eating are nuanced and sound inclusive, the creation and application have been anything but. There is a need for awareness around disordered eating and the multitude of people it impacts because of the very exclusivity that has historically occurred around the research and treatment. Despite what has been echoed throughout literature and into programming, disordered eating is not just an upper middle class, CIS white woman issue. You cannot tell by looking at somebody if they are dealing with disordered eating. This is an issue that impacts people of all genders, ages, races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, social economic statuses, and all body types and sizes. There is a pressing need to broaden the scope of research around disordered eating and the plethora of social locations that are affected by it.
This is especially important because of the very real connection between disordered eating and suicidality or serious physical complications. Too often, practitioners and professionals use threats or coercive language in an attempt to scare or intimidate those disclosing disordered eating into behaviour changes. This is so problematic as more often than not, those dealing with disordered eating are keenly aware of the potential health issues and are often times more knowledgeable or up to date on the workings of their respective eating disorder than their clinician. There needs to be more emphasis on creating collaboration and working together on behalf of those working in these fields, rather than them making it so daunting and isolating when trying to receive assistance. There is no wonder that many people dealing with disordered eating choose not to subject themselves to the unempathetic and often culturally insensitive world of healthcare.
In part due to this, many struggle in silence. There are 113,000 Canadians officially diagnosed by a professional, while statistics estimate that between 850,000 – 1,750,000 Canadians deal with regular symptoms sufficient to be considered disordered eating. There needs to be accountability and examination into why so many of our fellow Canadians feel and think they are better off not seeking out assistance. This includes a critical look at structures that are causing so many of our loved ones to think and believe they are not good enough or do not meet the rigid benchmarks upheld within society. The world of healthcare and academia are not innocent in this, as they exacerbate the racist, classist, and body shaming nature of eating disorder research and treatment. Voices and experiences of so many have been silenced and ignored, propping up the notion that disordered eating only impacts those who are young, thin, rich, and white.
We must diminish the stigma, shame, and secrecy around disordered eating as those battling this are not far removed; these are our family members, classmates, and people within our communities. Until there is more representation within eating disorder rhetoric, there will remain to be stigma, shame, and silence. These voices need to be validated and expressed within literature and programming endeavors. One way that we can help move things forward, is to make the silent heard, and the invisible visible. With that in mind, the following are personal stories and experiences from Trent students detailing how disordered eating has affected them.
Some resources:
You can go to https://www.trentu.ca/wellness/counselling/mental-health-resources for some specific information and links to some help
Book an appointment with a campus counsellor by calling 905-435-5100 or emailing them at durhamcounselling@trentu.ca
Good2Talk is a free, confidential and anonymous 24/7 post-secondary student helpline: 1-866-925-5454
Big White Wall: Access 24/7 online peer support at bigwhitewall.ca: anonymous, on-line, and accessible mental health and well-being service
ConnexOntario provides access to addiction, mental health and problem gambling services: 1-866-531-2600
Distress Centre Durham crisis support line: 1-800-452-0688; Text 741741 for online & text crisis services
Talk4Healing 24/7 Support for Indigenous women: 1-855-554-4325
Durham Mental Health Crisis Line: 1-800-742-1890
A confidential discussion group for Trent students who may be questioning their sexuality or gender or who are in the process of coming out
outoncampus@trentu.ca
@trentoutoncampus on Instagram
Non-judgemental, confidential support for Trent students from their trained peers
Call or text Monday-Friday 12-4pm
705-930-7014
peersupport@trentu.ca
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