The UKÔÇÖs leading eating disorder charity ÔÇÿBeatÔÇÖ have recently released the results of a survey which revealed┬á an alarming 32% of students develop an eating disorder at university, 69% of which having difficulties accessing suitable treatment. This revelation has sparked major concern over the difficulties faced by students and has formed the basis of an awareness campaign to ensure support services.
It is evident that the pressures of living independently, making new friends and academic studies become serious risk factors for many students with eating disorders especially those who suffer in silence. Hannah, 20, from Newcastle suffered from an eating disorder and emphasised that during this period she ÔÇ£became incredibly isolated.ÔÇØ Without immediate action, the difficulties faced by students could escalate and have negative financial, emotional and educational impacts on a young personÔÇÖs future. This disruption at a crucial stage in a studentÔÇÖs development could hinder career prospects and lead to premature death.
Unfortunately, in the words of another eating disorder sufferer Leah, 21,ÔÇ£Not once at University had anybody questioned my health or given me any help or guidance.ÔÇØ Louise, speaking to the ÔÇÿBeatÔÇÖ website, suffered from anorexia in her first year of university. She said ÔÇ£none of my university friends made any comment… this is the nature of a mental health issue… new friends shy away from the issue, and sometimes away from you.ÔÇØ It is clear, then, that the main issue facing sufferers of eating disorders is the social stigma of mental illness.
18% of students with an eating disorder are forced to drop out of university as a result. For this reason, charities such as ÔÇÿBeatÔÇÖ have made great efforts to encourage universities to engage with students suffering from eating disorders. It is hoped this will provide them with the support and treatment needed to make a full recovery.
Cardiff University counselling service understands that eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia and compulsive eating are an ÔÇ£outward expression of internal pain and confusionÔÇØ and thus provide counselling and healthcare treatment. ÔÇÿBeatÔÇÖ has revealed that students are more likely to turn to their friends or remain silent. This highlights the need to challenge the stigma that people with eating disorders face within society and campaign for better services and treatments.
Further research shows that eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness with one in five of the most seriously affected dying prematurely. The need for further action to be taken by the university is made evident by the statistic that 52% of students said that their university was not taking action to prevent eating disorders or support sufferers.
For anyone suffering from a health disorder, ÔÇÿBeatÔÇÖ say ÔÇ£Seeing a GP is a good start. It is important to have the correct diagnosis. Your doctor can refer you to specialist professionals… it may not be possible to access this support without a doctor.ÔÇØ They also emphasised the importance of having a support network of family and friends which they say can be as important as professional help.
Anyone concerned about an eating disorder can find help and support through the Beat website:- www.b-eat.co.uk
Sally Mannan
Add Comment