I was nervous and scared, as I set up my table at my university club fair in August. I was about to embark on an unfamiliar journey: starting the first eating disorder support group at my school.

Passerby: “What is this?”

Me: “Hi there, this year I am starting a support group for those struggling with eating disorders and disordered eating. Would you like to hear about it?”

Passerby; “Oh yeah…..nah, I don’t have that. You don’t have to tell me about it. Aw man, but you know what guys [turning to her group of friends standing next to her, in a completely serious tone]: I forgot to pack my scale! I need my scale!”

This was just one of the encounters I had at the club fair. Most of the responses I received at this fair were positive. Most people were encouraging and uplifting, saying they had friends or family members who had an eating disorder or who struggled with self esteem or body image. Nonetheless, the response cited above stayed with me throughout the day.  It made me sad and angry, realizing that many individuals are not even aware their thought patterns about food and weight are unhealthy. This response from this student was fuel to my fiery passion to start to this support group on campus.

The purpose of the support group I started, called Redeeming Life, is twofold. First, the group offers a place and space for those in recovery to vocalize their struggles, as well as celebrate their victories. Second, it serves as a catalyst to educate my community so we can be better equipped to walk along side those who are struggling with an eating disorder. I don’t intend to offer a quick fix or easy to answer those that struggle. Rather, from the very beginning, I have intended to offer hope and healing to those on their path to recovery. I have intended to offer a listening ear, hand to hold, to sit  with them as they victoriously finish a meal because, as too many of us know, recovering from an eating disorder can be quite isolating.

One of the biggest challenges for me in facilitating Redeeming Life is to avoid getting overly involved emotionally. I have learned the importance of knowing my role: I am someone who is there for them, to offer empathy, support and encouragement; however, I am not their therapist. I am a fellow student who needs to make sure I am taking care of myself, too. Therefore, after every support group meeting, I make sure to do something nice for myself. Maybe that is treating myself to a latte or catching up on my favorite television show. Whatever it is, I make sure to have time for myself, for I know that if I want to help others, I have to make time for myself as well.

I am so excited for this year’s National Eating Disorder Awareness Week because it is such an important opportunity to educate my community about eating disorders. Too many people think they are solely about food and weight when in reality; an eating disorder is often a complex coping mechanism, a way for individuals to deal with deep pain or trauma. I also hope to reach those who have unhealthy relationships with food and body image but are unaware of it because our culture has trained us to believe we constantly need to be obsessed with food, weight and our bodies. As Jenni Schafer has said, we live in an eating disordered society.

Through NEDAwareness Week, I want to allow people the opportunity to think about their own relationship with food and their bodies. I am planning two major events for this important week: a screening of Someday Melissa and panel discussion with professionals to follow. I hope the reality of eating disorders will be addressed--that they are diseases and not lifestyle choices. I want the myths and misconceptions that surround eating disorders to be dismantled and the truth to be brought into the light. I also hope to address issues that every single person can relate to on some level, such as: body image, self-esteem and identity.

I know one night’s discussion will not fix the struggles people are experiencing on campus. However, I believe that by opening up the conversation, exposing it, thus bringing into the light of day, will begin the process of healing for those may be struggling in silence.

I do not know what will be happen with Redeeming Life after I graduate, but I have faith that the seeds I have planted will continue to grow on my campus and in those who walk these hallways.