Managing Eating Disorder Recovery as a College Student

Written by CCTC Staff Writer

In between shopping for dorm room necessities, signing up for classes, and getting your books and supplies for the first day of lectures, making a plan to maintain recovery from an eating disorder may not feel like the most exciting part about going off to college.

Starting college can be a difficult transition for those struggling with an eating disorder. To make the most of your time away at college, making recovery a priority is essential.

In this blog we will discuss:

• Why starting college can be a triggering time for eating disorder behaviors to emerge or reemerge, or intensify

• What steps you can take to prepare and plan ahead

• What to do if you are struggling with disordered behaviors at school

College and eating disorders

Eating disorders are extremely prevalent on college campuses. In a survey of college students, it revealed that 20% of respondents suspected they suffered from an eating disorder at some point in their lives and the prevalence of current struggling was between 8% to 17%.

There are a few key reasons why college can be such a difficult time when it comes to managing an eating disorder or maintaining recovery:

1) Diet culture and the "Freshman 15"

One of the most well-known toxic phrases about college is the "Freshman 15". This refers to the weight that some college students gain in their first year away at school. The anxiety and fear of weight gain those struggling with food or body image issues may feel can trigger disordered eating behaviors in an attempt to control their weight.

2) The social environment

The social environment on a college campus can also contribute to eating disorder behaviors. There is often a lot of pressure to fit in, especially when acclimating in the first year of school. This can lead to unhealthy comparisons and self-judgment or feelings of loneliness may become difficult to manage.

3) The academic environment

The academic environment of college can also be triggering for those struggling with an eating disorder. The pressure to succeed and perform well in school can lead to disordered eating behaviors as a way to cope with the stress. Many of those struggling with eating disorders also struggle with perfectionism and may find increased workload and expectations overwhelming.

4) Lack of support

When away at college, many students feel isolated and alone. This can be especially true for those struggling with an eating disorder who may feel like they can't talk to anyone about what they're going through.

5) New independence

For many college students, this is the first time they are away from home and have to manage their own meals and exercise. This increased independence can be difficult to navigate for those in recovery from an eating disorder, especially if parents played a large role in monitoring movement and intake during the recovery process.

What you can do to prepare and plan ahead

If you are someone who is struggling with an eating disorder, or are in recovery, there are a few things you can do to prepare for the transition to college:

1) Talk to your doctor or therapist about your plans

If you are currently seeing a therapist or have a treatment team in place for treating your eating disorder, it is important to talk to them about your plans to go away to college. They can help you make a plan to maintain your recovery while you are away at school including helping you find providers you can see if you are moving out of state.

2) Make a list of healthy coping skills

One of the most important things you can do to prepare for college is to make a list of healthy coping skills. This can include things like journaling, going for walks, talking to a friend, or meditating. It is important to have a list of things you can do to cope with stressors that may trigger your eating disorder behaviors.

3) Prepare ahead how you will manage snacks and meals

Whether it is preparing and packing snacks and meals, or planning when you can eat at the cafeteria, having a schedule and plan can help you avoid falling into old behaviors. If you have a meal plan currently, it is important to continue following the same plan while you create a new routine.

Related: 5 Tips For Meal Time in Eating Disorder Recovery

4) Find a support system

Another important thing you can do to prepare for college is to find a support system. This can include friends, family members, your therapist, or a doctor that you can reach out to if you are struggling. It is important to have people you can rely on for support.

What to do if you are struggling with disordered behaviors at school

If you find yourself struggling with disordered eating behaviors while you are away at college, there are a few things you can do:

1) Reach out to your support system

If you have a support system in place, make sure to reach out to them if you are struggling. They can provide you with the support and care that you need to get through this difficult time.

2) Seek professional help

If you are not currently seeing a doctor or therapist for your eating disorder, it is important to seek professional help. There are many resources available to you, and seeking professional help can be an important step in your recovery. Many colleges and universities have resources available for students struggling with eating disorders. These resources can be a great way to get support and information about treatment options. If your college does not have resources available, you may also reach out to the National Eating Disorders Association Helpline via chat, phone, or text for assistance in finding help near you.

3) Find a support group

Another great resource for college students struggling with eating disorders is finding a support group. There are many different types of support groups available, and they can be a great way to connect with others who are going through similar experiences. The National Alliance for Eating Disorders offers virtual and in-person support groups, learn more here.

4) Remember, school is always there

In some situations, taking a break from school to focus on recovery may be necessary. For many college students, this can be an extremely disappointing and upsetting decision to have to make. It may feel like you are "falling behind" in life, or will miss out on all the fun, but the truth is, truly enjoying college and moving forward to where you want to go in life is not possible while struggling with an eating disorder. It can be difficult to accept hearing your treatment team suggests a higher level of care, but recovery must come first.  School will still be there when you are ready to come back and finish your degree.

We hope you have a great school year ahead!

If you or your loved one are struggling with an eating disorder in college, know you are not alone. We would love to talk to you about recovery and help you learn more about our virtual and in-person treatment programs.