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BSU requires students with severe health problems to seek help
A student may be required to seek professional help if physical or psychological health problems place that student's life in potential danger; impairs her/ his ability to maintain an academic program; or when his/her behavior is a serious disruption to others. Examples of such health problems include, but are not limited to, symptoms of serious mood disorders, serious medical condition or serious eating disorders.
Students may be mandated to seek assessments by appropriate medical and/or psychological professionals. The clinical director of the Counseling Center (or designee) or the clinical director of Health Services (or designee) will coordinate referrals to the appropriate medical or psychological professionals. The student will be required to sign necessary releases to permit communication between all professional referrals including the clinical director of the Counseling Center or clinical director of Health Services and appropriate college administrators. The clinical directors (or designees) will then consult with the appropriate college administrators regarding the student's ability to safely continue in college programs such as, but not limited to, residence life and housing, athletics, academics and international study abroad. In the case where a resident student is transported to the hospital for urgent psychological treatment, the student is required to have a psychological assessment consultation at the BSU Counseling Center prior to returning to academic programs and campus housing. If the student does not agree to participate in medical or psychological treatment, his/her ability to continue in college programs will be jeopardized and the student may lose housing and participation in academic programs.
Many college students experience problems with eating and body image. The eating disorders, anorexia and bulimia, typically start in teenage years as a normal attempt to diet but gradually lead to an intense preoccupation with food and body size. Often people struggling with food feel out of control with their lives, their bodies and their relationships. Many experience mood swings, depression and anxiety. Students with eating disorders may be mandated to participate in outside, ongoing psychological, medical and nutritional treatment/counseling.
Anorexia Nervosa is characterized by refusal to maintain minimally normal body weight, fear of weight gain, and poor body image. Females with anorexia stop menstruating for at least three menstrual cycles. Depression, social withdrawal, irritability, insomnia, and decreased libido can result from being seriously underweight.
Bulimia Nervosa is characterized by repeated episodes of binge eating followed by inappropriate compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, fasting, or excessive exercise. Binge eating consists of eating in a discrete period of time an amount of food that is larger than most individuals would eat under similar circumstances and there is a sense of lack of control over the eating. Individuals with bulimia nervosa are typically within the normal weight range. Depression, anxiety, and substance abuse is prevalent among people with bulimia nervosa.
Binge Eating Disorder or Compulsive Overeating is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating without the regular use of purging behaviors.
An important step in addressing any problem is to first become aware of one's behavior and its impact on one's life. The best way to prevent an eating disorder is to seek help early, when the first signs emerge such as preoccupation with food, dieting, weight or body image. Consulting with one of the professionals on campus can help students assess whether they have a mild or moderate problem or a more serious eating disorder as well as how to deal with the issue. The Counseling Center staff (508.531.1331) provides confidential appointments for assessment, counseling and referrals. The Health Services staff (508.531.1252) provides support and assessment by offering general medical screenings, health education and referrals to a nutritionist.
Here are some suggestions to follow if you suspect someone you care about has an eating disorder:
Bridgewater State University Student Handbook 2011-2012. All Rights Reserved.
