Eating Disorders in College Students: 7 Tips for College Professionals

Student mental health concerns have risen sharply and the demands on college mental health professionals are particularly challenging. Whether you are a college campus professional, a parent of a college student or a concerned friend, we offer these strategies to you so that you know how to support a college student struggling with mental health concerns or an eating disorder.

Encourage students to seek professional help.

Some students need to be encouraged to seek help for eating disorders and, sometimes, they need to be encouraged multiple times. By the time they get to college, many students have either been shamed or praised for their eating disorder behaviors by friends, family, coaches, physicians, and even strangers. You can help to make a difference and encourage students to seek help by holding campus outreach events, by sharing helpful websites (like this one), and by creating a safe place that offers eating disorder treatment or encouraging them to seek treatment.

Plan campus outreach events to support eating disorder awareness.

The college environment can be stressful and competitive. If you are a campus professional, you can host events throughout the year that support body positivity, show healthy ways to cope with stress, and highlight helpful resources. Consider:

• Hosting a stress-free day
• Providing information about your services
• Having an Ask-the-Dietitian booth
• Hosting body positive events throughout the year

Our complimentary Say It Brave On Campus events were designed to be used as easy outreach events, you can register and download an event kit here.

Utilize your website and social media opportunities.

Let’s face it, we’re in the digital age and our students are likely to check out websites, apps and social media before they ever step foot inside a counseling center or make a phone call. Make it easy for them to get help. You can highlight information about your services for eating disorders on your website along with information and links to other helpful websites.

Learn how to navigate social media without triggering an eating disorder here.

Provide a safe and welcoming space.

Once a student has finally made an appointment and walked into your center, make sure that they don’t receive any messages implying that it is not safe to talk about their struggles. What can make an environment feel unsafe to disclose? Pay attention to magazines or information displayed that might emphasize weight loss, the need for body changes, or other contrary messages.

Provide specific services for students with eating disorders.

All too often I hear from parents and students who struggle because their college doesn’t offer services for eating disorder treatment. Statistically, we know that students on college campuses are at the prime age to struggle with eating disorders — and many are, in fact, struggling. These students are often dedicated, high-achieving students that need support so that they can do all of the great things in life they are capable of doing. If you’re interested in starting eating disorder services, join our monthly college consultation group for support.

Offer (or pursue) continuing education on eating disorders.

Seek out education from or consultation with experienced eating disorder professionals to help you:

• Improve your services
• Identify what you need on campus
• Learn how to begin or improve offering services
• Get an overview of eating disorder statistics relevant to colleges

We have over 200 hours of continuing education opportunities available in our CE library, many of which are focused on colleges.

Practice (and encourage) self-care.

We really recommend and value self-care for college students and college mental health professionals as it is very demanding work. Practice what you preach and make sure you engage in good self-care so that you can offer the best care to your students. Find some time to get lost in a book, go for a walk, engage in a hobby, and, please, spend time relaxing!

Find more resources to help you support students with eating disorders here.