Contributed on behalf of Cathy J. Saloff-Coste, MS, RDN, CEDRD, IC Nutritionist, Hammond Health Center
If you’ve been following this Intercom series during National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, you know that it’s not always obvious when someone is heading toward developing an eating disorder, or even if they are living with a diagnosable eating disorder. You may know someone who shows clear symptoms, or you may recognize more subtle signs in someone – or yourself. Where do you start to get help?
Because of the complex nature of eating disorders, a comprehensive treatment team of medical, nutritional, and psychological therapies is often recommended, and the earlier treatment begins, the better chance there is for recovery. No matter how entrenched the eating disorder is, recovery is always possible.
Ithaca College offers a variety of professional services to help students find a treatment approach that works for them. While the idea of setting up a whole treatment team can feel overwhelming, reaching out to one resource may be a good place to start. You can contact any of the following resources to start to get the help you need, or your friend needs, to begin the journey of recovery.
- The Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) (607-274-3136) provides initial assessments, a weekly support group (“Nourishing Self”), and short term individual counseling, as well as assistance with referrals for long-term services.
- Hammond Health Center (607-274-3177) offers physical exams, lab work, and medical follow-up.
- Cathy J. Saloff-Coste, Certified Eating Disorders Registered Dietitian (607-277-2053 or cjsaloffcoste@fastmail.fm) is available on campus and at her downtown office to provide individualized ongoing nutrition counseling. You can speak directly with her about your concerns before setting up an appointment.
- The Center for Health Promotion offers free wellness coaching for students with concerns about healthy eating and other lifestyle challenges in college. For more information or to set up an appointment, send an email to healthpromotion@ithaca.edu.
- The Office of Case Management accepts referrals from any individual who is concerned about a distressed student with behaviors of concern.You can submit an ICare Referral at www.ithaca.edu/icare or call 607-274-7731.
- Upstate New York Eating Disorder Service - The Nutrition Clinic has a site in Ithaca where outpatient and intensive outpatient programs are available. You can contact them at http://unyed.com/home/348114 or call 877-765-7866.
The following websites also provide reliable information and resources:
www.nationaleatingdisorders.org (National Eating Disorders Association, NEDA)
www.anad.org (National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, or ANAD)
www.EDcatalogue.com (Gürze-Salucore Eating Disorders Resource Catalogue) (800-756-7533)
Check out this past Monday’s and Wednesday’s Intercom submissions for more information on eating disorders. This year NEDAW emphasizes that “Hindsight is 20/20”. Looking back can help everyone move forward toward a healthy and empowered future.