Eating disorders and the college food scene

This article discusses the effect a college student's eating disorder had on her academic career. Laura Yochelson was accepted to American University with a scholarship for their honors program and went without much thought on the effect campus life would have on her eating disorder. She was diagnosed with anorexia at thirteen and relapsed at age fifteen. Although she was in recovery by the time she attended the university, Yochelson found it difficult to fit in and felt constantly pressured to eat food that was unhealthy while on campus. Since Laura felt she received a lack of support from her peers, she decided to move back home finish her undergraduate degree online.

This article helped display the struggles that someone with a psychological disorder can endure. Laura Yochelson was deprived of a real college experience because she could not handle "the food and the social atmosphere". She felt that if she did not eat the same way that her peers did, she would be judged or seen as difficult. Yochelson said that she felt "disconnected" and it is sad that she continues to suffer although she is in recovery.

I thought this article was interesting because American University claims to have a wellness center. Although that may be true, Yochelson was not made aware of this center and I personally know someone who developed an eating disorder while she attended the American University. Even though the two are not connected, it is apparent that the university does not make their resources very clear. If they had Laura may still be living on campus and the girl I know may not have needed to seek out medical attention.

What is most interesting about a psychological disorder is that even though you can be in recovery from it, you never truly recover. Yochelson recovered and then had a relapse less than two years later. Some psychological disorders are not curable at all. Eating disorders are something that people are forced to battle their whole lives and it is a shame that such important life experiences can be ruined even though someone could be doing their best to fight their disorder.