Speak frankly with high school and college students and you will learn in short order that eating disorders are a significant and prevalent problem.

In some circles, it is downright epidemic in scope. Some researchers have suggested certain intense environments, like those found on college campuses, can actually foster eating disorders. And like other epidemiological problems, this one seems to be mutating.

For a long time, young, upper-class, white girls and women appeared to be the only population for this problem. Now, men, athletes and women of color are among the fastest growing populations affected. And the disorder is serious.

Eating disorders are the most lethal of all mental health problems; correlations with suicide are surprisingly high, as is substance abuse, and depression- not to mention the physical wear and tear a body goes through. Yet, between the secrecy that often times accompanies the practice and the confusion or shame a person can feel, the issue all too often goes unaddressed or undetected.

Now most people will have a bout of “disordered eating” sometime during their life. This may be a result of a break up, family problems, the death of a loved one or any number of difficult life situations.

For most people, life, emotions and eating habits return to normal, given time. But for some, this can be the start of a continuing struggle. The same can be true of the transition to college life.

Homesickness, the dreaded “freshman 15,” or new academic demands can be a real roller coaster until a new balance can be struck. Again, for some, this may be the start of a new, difficult and dangerous pattern. In other circumstances, the struggle with body image, low self-esteem, or being overwhelmed by certain life circumstances may be chronic.

We all deal with matters in our own, personal way, but some people will focus on the concrete, by “controlling” things they have power over. This can include what they eat, how they eat, how they exercise or counting calories. Many people who seek treatment admit that, insidiously, those matters started controlling them over time.

The above examples do not even crack the surface of societal expectations or demands, unique circumstances, achievement pressures, gender psychology, etc. What they do highlight is how many pitfalls there can be and the wide variety of people who can be at risk.

Here at Eastern, people with eating disorders have several options for help. This includes the Counseling Center, where assessment, individual treatment, group counseling and consultative services are offered.

Health Service physicians provide medical assessments, consultation and pharmaceutical interventions. In addition, a nutritionist and dietary consultant are available to assess and create dietary plans for optimal health.

Depending on a student’s needs, one or all of the services may be appropriate.

Moreover, throughout the school year there will be different programs presented and a variety of methods used to reach Eastern student students and staff about these topics. These include resident assistant training, life skills presentations at the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union and booths at the Health Fair.

This year-long effort to educate and intervene to this matter hopefully speaks to the level of commitment Eastern has for the health of its students.

So please keep an eye out for programs and other information on this topic throughout the year, and remember that resources, treatment and information are always available.