BSU requires students with severe health problems to seek help

A student may be required to seek professional help if physical or psychological health problems place that student's life in potential danger; impairs her/ his ability to maintain an academic program; or when his/her behavior is a serious disruption to others. Examples of such health problems include, but are not limited to, symptoms of serious mood disorders, and/or serious medical conditions such as suicidal behavior, threats to others, hallucinations/delusions or serious eating disorders.

Students may be mandated to seek assessments by appropriate medical and/or psychological professionals. The clinical director of the Counseling Center (or designee) or the clinical director of Health Services (or designee) will coordinate referrals to the appropriate medical or psychological professionals. The student will be asked to sign necessary releases to permit communication between all professional referrals including the clinical director of the Counseling Center, the clinical director of Health Services and appropriate university administrators. The clinical directors (or designees) will then consult with the appropriate university administrators regarding the student's ability to safely continue in university programs such as, but not limited to, residence life and housing, athletics, academics, international or national study abroad, off-campus community service trips or internships. In the case that a student is transported to the hospital for urgent psychological treatment, the student is required to have a psychological assessment consultation at the BSU Counseling Center prior to returning to academic programs and campus housing. The Counseling Center will make recommendations to the student and the Office of Student Affairs as to the outcome of the assessment consultation. The Office of Student Affairs decides whether the student will be able to remain in campus housing, academic programs and additional participation in campus life. If the student does not agree to participate in medical or psychological treatment, his/her ability to continue in university programs may be jeopardized and the student may lose housing and participation in academics programs.

Eating Problems and Eating Disorders

Many university students experience problems with eating and body image. The eating disorders, anorexia and bulimia, typically start in teenage years as a normal attempt to diet but gradually lead to an intense preoccupation with food and body size. Often people struggling with food feel out of control with their lives, their bodies and their relationships. Many experience mood swings, depression and anxiety. Students with eating disorders may be mandated to participate in outside (off-campus) ongoing psychological, medical and nutritional treatment/counseling. Eating disorders may include, but not be limited to, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge or compulsive (overeating) eating.

Anorexia Nervosa is characterized by refusal to maintain minimally normal body weight, fear of weight gain and poor body image. Females with anorexia stop menstruating for at least three menstrual cycles. Depression, social withdrawal, irritability, insomnia and decreased libido can result from being seriously underweight.

Bulimia Nervosa is characterized by repeated episodes of binge eating followed by inappropriate compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, fasting or excessive exercise. Binge eating consists of eating in a discrete period of time an amount of food that is larger than most individuals would eat under similar circumstances and there is a sense of lack of control over the eating. Individuals with bulimia nervosa are typically within the normal weight range. Depression, anxiety and substance abuse is prevalent among people with bulimia nervosa.

Binge Eating Disorder or Compulsive Overeating is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating without the regular use of purging behaviors.

Help is Available

An important step in addressing any problem is to first become aware of one's behavior and its impact on one's life. The best way to prevent an eating disorder is to seek help early, when the first signs emerge such as preoccupation with food, dieting, weight or body image. Consulting with one of the professionals on campus can help students assess whether they have a mild or moderate problem or a more serious eating disorder, as well as how to deal with the issue. The Counseling Center staff (508.531.1331) provides confidential appointments for assessment, counseling and referrals. The Health Services staff (508.531.1252) provides medical support and referrals. Key to long-term, serious eating disorder treatment is ongoing year-round (off-campus) support by an eating disorder team (medical, psychological and nutritional professionals) and in some cases, day or inpatient treatment programs.

How to Help Someone Who Has an Eating Disorder

Here are some suggestions to follow if you suspect someone you care about has an eating disorder:

• Let the person know that you are concerned and you care by being gentle and listening.
• Do NOT talk about food or weight with the person.
• Encourage her or him to seek professional help from a therapist, nurse practitioner or physician.
• Tell the person about campus resources including Health Services and Counseling Center.
• Read up on eating disorders including Surviving an Eating Disorder: Strategies for Family and Friends by Siegel, M., Brisman, J., and Weinshel, M.
• Consult with your resident director, staff at the Counseling Center or Health Services about how you can help.
• You can offer support, but remember that the ultimate decision and responsibility rests with the person with the eating disorder.

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