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Disclaimer The information on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice or to be used for any type of diagnosis or treatment. None of the information on this site should be used as a substitute for evaluation and/or treatment by a qualified mental health professional. If you have, or suspect you have a health problem, you should contact a physician or other health care professional in your area. The SMU Health Center Eating Disorder site does not endorse or recommend any site, product or service that is provided on links page. |
Elisa Ruth McCall was a vibrant, beautiful college student, who like many her age, suffered from the pain and unhappines of an eating disorder illness. When her life ended prematurely at age 20 she hoped to reach out to those suffering like her and to others in danger of developing eating disorders.
She left an important legacy in the form of her personal journal -- a record of her struggle -- which she intened to be shared with others. Through this journal, Elisa wanted to bring a message of hope and inspiration to those who suffer.
Elisa's family has established the Elisa Ruth McCall Memorial Endowment Fund at Southern Methodist University for the purpose of providing individuals and their loved ones with the education and support required to avoid or overcome eating disorder illnesses.
All across the country, eating disorders are taking their toll on people obsessed with an irrational fear of being fat. Take a look at some of these frightening statistics:
- More than five million Americans suffer from eating disorders
- Five percent of adolescent and adult women and 1% of men have anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge-eating disorder
- Fifteen percent of young women have substantially disordered eating attitudes and behaviors
- An estimated 1,000 women die each year of anorexia nervosa
Eating disorders know no barriers. They strike both females and males of
all ages, races, religions, and economic backgrounds. Although eating disorders
are more common in women, as stated above, they do occur in men. Eating
disorders affect people both physically and mentally. Research shows that
nearly half of those individuals with eatingdisorders suffer from at least
on other psychiatric disorder. Depression is the most prominent disorder
associated with anorexia and bulimia, but anxiety disorders, post traumatic
stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and substance abuse are
also common.
Because many anorexics and bulimics deny that they are ill, family and friends play a critical role in recognizing eating disorder problems and getting help immediately. Although not all victims display all symptoms, several danger signals are commonly associated with anorexia and bulimia. It is very difficult to deal/live with a close friend or loved one who suffers from an eating disorder.
This all may seen hopeless, but remember, eating disorders can be cured! Although anorexia and bulimia can have tremendous impact both physically and mentally, they can be conquered.
Recommended treatments can include:
- Regular physical monitoring by a medical doctor
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Marital therapy
- Support Groups
- Hospitalization
