2008 Woodie Awards
Counseling addresses eating disorders
Josh Miner
Issue date: 2/22/08 Section: FUSE
Originally published: 2/21/08 at 8:51 PM EST
Last update: 2/21/08 at 8:50 PM EST
A support group for students with eating disorders and other body image issues will be meeting every Friday at 3 p.m. in the Center for Student Health and Psychological Services.
This meeting is open to any student who is looking for confidential support in overcoming their body image issues.
With problems such as bulimia and anorexia continuing to affect our society, Plattsburgh State counselor Amber Bach-Gorman is reaching out to anyone who is looking for help dealing with these serious issues.
Bach-Gorman sees these body image issues as a result of "the belief that we have to be perfect."
These issues are not limited to females only, as she mentions that there is an increase in males who come forth with the same concerns that were once thought of as a primarily female affliction.
The group known as "Empower" is a free student service provided by the college, and is run in a strictly confidential manner so as not to disclose the names of those involved.
Many people who suffer from body image issues are reluctant to tell friends or family about their
problems, a symptom that can make treatment of these afflictions very difficult. These issues can be a "life-threatening illness," Bach-Gorman said.
By attending support groups, those who suffer from these issues will have a safe and therapeutic outlet to speak about their concerns and receive feedback from peers.
"Group therapy for eating disorders is proven to be one of the most successful forms of treatment," Bach-Gorman said.
As the 20th anniversary of National Eating Disorder Awareness Week, there will also be a panel on eating disorders in the Cardinal Lounge of the ACC at 7 p.m. Tuesday Feb. 26.
Speakers will discuss awareness regarding eating disorders, signs to look for and how to reach out to a friend who may be afflicted.
The medical aspects will also be addressed, and a PSUC student will be sharing her personal experiences.
The panel will also inform participants about the dangers of disordered eating - a condition different from eating disorders.
Disordered eating eating occurs when a person's diet become nutritionally unbalanced, perhaps due to diets or overeating.
Many people have experimented with the behaviors associated with eating disorders, such as restricting intake or purging.
"These behaviors can take over your life," PSUC Senior Counselor Carol Shuttleworth said.
If you or someone you know might be battling an eating disorder, know that there is an outlet here on campus.
"Our hope is to help as many people as possible, and to enlighten," Shuttleworth said.
This meeting is open to any student who is looking for confidential support in overcoming their body image issues.
With problems such as bulimia and anorexia continuing to affect our society, Plattsburgh State counselor Amber Bach-Gorman is reaching out to anyone who is looking for help dealing with these serious issues.
Bach-Gorman sees these body image issues as a result of "the belief that we have to be perfect."
These issues are not limited to females only, as she mentions that there is an increase in males who come forth with the same concerns that were once thought of as a primarily female affliction.
The group known as "Empower" is a free student service provided by the college, and is run in a strictly confidential manner so as not to disclose the names of those involved.
Many people who suffer from body image issues are reluctant to tell friends or family about their
problems, a symptom that can make treatment of these afflictions very difficult. These issues can be a "life-threatening illness," Bach-Gorman said.
By attending support groups, those who suffer from these issues will have a safe and therapeutic outlet to speak about their concerns and receive feedback from peers.
"Group therapy for eating disorders is proven to be one of the most successful forms of treatment," Bach-Gorman said.
As the 20th anniversary of National Eating Disorder Awareness Week, there will also be a panel on eating disorders in the Cardinal Lounge of the ACC at 7 p.m. Tuesday Feb. 26.
Speakers will discuss awareness regarding eating disorders, signs to look for and how to reach out to a friend who may be afflicted.
The medical aspects will also be addressed, and a PSUC student will be sharing her personal experiences.
The panel will also inform participants about the dangers of disordered eating - a condition different from eating disorders.
Disordered eating eating occurs when a person's diet become nutritionally unbalanced, perhaps due to diets or overeating.
Many people have experimented with the behaviors associated with eating disorders, such as restricting intake or purging.
"These behaviors can take over your life," PSUC Senior Counselor Carol Shuttleworth said.
If you or someone you know might be battling an eating disorder, know that there is an outlet here on campus.
"Our hope is to help as many people as possible, and to enlighten," Shuttleworth said.
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