Editor’s Note: This article contains discussion about eating disorders that may be triggering for some readers. To protect the anonymity of one source, identity has been withheld.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 2.7% of teens have an eating disorder, rising 107.4% from the number in 2018.
National Eating Disorder Week allows for the recognition of individuals who suffer from eating disorders. An eating disorder can range from binge eating or not eating enough, affecting people mentally and physically.
“[Eating disorders are] a large problem with adolescence in general,” said OH Social Worker Diane Lupe. “If it’s not managed correctly, then it can become pretty life-threatening.”
Many counselors and social workers say the only way to get help is to go somewhere professional for help, but care after treatment is still needed. Students believe that better school support systems are greatly needed.
One student wishes they could see any counselor preferred for their needs instead of assigned workers.
“I [think] not having an assigned [counselor, and being] able to [go through the school],” said an anonymous OH student.
Other students believe that the school should be more aware of students with eating disorders and how they may be struggling. Students have started brainstorming ideas on how OH can support their struggling students.
“They can…be aware of [these] situations and act on them maybe [by having] them talk to people or go to a room,” said junior Alexa Bejarno.
The two most common types of eating disorders include Anorexia (food withdrawal) and Bulimia (binge eating), causing many threatening injuries among students.
“[For] adolescents [it’s] very hard for a lot of people and they’re very concerned about whether other people are thinking of them and if it’s not managed correctly, then it can become pretty life-threatening,” said Lupe.
The OH freshman health curriculum contains lessons on different eating disorders to make students aware of the struggle. Students believe they should be discussed more, with much more awareness throughout the school.
“[Teachers] can like [talk] about it more, [especially to] freshman classes.” said anonymous student.
Students can receive help from their counselors or social workers, who can be found on PowerSchool or outside the student services office.
National hotlines are available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. at 888-375-7767.
Hello! My name is Kayla Goddard and I'm a Senior at Oswego high school, this is my second year on the 42Fifty staff, now a news and social media editor. You can contact me by emailing 42Fifty@sd308.org and putting my name in the subject line. We welcome comments on our articles and feedback on our publication!
