This week is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. The National Institute of Mental Health defines eating disorders as “serious illnesses marked by severe disturbances in a person’s eating behaviors”. According to a 2024 report by the Strategic Training Initiative for the Prevention of Eating Disorders, nine percent of New Mexicans will have an eating disorder in their lifetime and people of all ages and sexual orientations are affected.
If you feel that you or someone you care about may have an eating disorder, please seek support. The National Eating Disorders Association offers a wide range of information and support, including a screening tool. The New Mexico Crisis and Access Line provides help 24 hours a day. Here on campus, Student Health and Counseling (SHAC) offers counseling for students and Counseling, Assistance and Referral Services (CARS) offers counseling for faculty, staff, and their domestic partners.