The Counseling Center kicks off Eating Disorder Awareness Week at Ball State University today.
The week, which the Counseling Center named "Don't Let Others Weigh You Down," plans to educate students about eating disorders and issues dealing with self-image.
Ellen Mauer, associate director of outreach-consultation at the Counseling Center, said she is excited about the programs that are taking place throughout the week.
"We want to educate people about eating disorders," Mauer said. "There are many misconceptions about weight loss and weight management. These programs are good because they teach students about what is out there."
Mauer said that the Counseling Center plans on setting up tables in the Art and Journalism Building and in the hotel lobby in the L.A. Pittenger Student Center to hand out information about eating disorders.
Students will also have the opportunity to fill out surveys that counselors will screen for possible warning signs of an eating disorder.
Mauer said that the Counseling Center figures that 8 to 10 percent of students suffer from an eating disorder of some kind. However, many of those students never seek help.
"Denial is a big part of an eating disorder," she said. "Half the battle is being able to say you have a problem."
One of the goals of the week is to raise awareness that eating disorders affect men as well as women.
"Men tend to be less forthcoming about the issue," Mauer said. "Because of their denial, many men choose not to seek treatment for the problems that they have."
Mauer said that this is a particularly important time for issues concerning weight management because students are preparing for Spring Break.
"Spring Break is coming up, and this means that there are a lot of people who are growing concerned about their appearance; this becomes a prevalent time for eating disorders," Mauer said.
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