Preparing to start or return to college during eating disorder recovery can be challenging but relapse prevention is possible with preparation.
You are not alone. NEDA estimates that 4.4-5.9% of teens enter college with an untreated eating disorder. University health centers are not adequately prepared to treat the specific needs of those in eating disorder recovery on campus. The best way to ensure your recovery is to prepare in advance.
Daily accessibility to a variety of foods, movement, and support is key to the planning process.
Establishing regular meals or adhering to prescribed meal plans is the top priority for nourishing the brain and body. Accessibility to food on-campus is the key to knowing you will reach your daily goals.
Check all on-campus dining options on the school website.
Learn the nearby grocery stores and restaurants.
Review the University cafeteria dining menus in advance. Learn what foods are always available and which ones rotate.
Purchase or rent your own dorm refrigerator and stock with nutrient-dense foods.
Use an insulated lunch bag for meals on days when you do not have time to eat in the cafeteria.
Review your weekly schedule on Sunday. For days with back-to-back classes use your daily planner to plan where and when you can eat meals and snacks.
If you are on a custom meal plan with virtual supervision, scope out private areas in the cafeteria or around campus where you can set up your laptop with your meal. No one will have any idea what you are doing.
Movement & meditation enhance mind-body connection and improve overall mood.
Daily movement and meditation help to decrease symptoms of OCD, anxiety, and depression, while enhancing body image, mind-body connection, and overall mood. For a list of anxiety-fighting foods, check out this blog post.
Walking outside to classes is great for fresh air stimulation. Also, try to schedule time for focused movement connecting your mind to your body.
Check the school recreation center for yoga classes or open spaces for you to bring your own mat and practice.
Check the school website for safe areas to walk on sidewalks or trails during daylight hours.
Learn which libraries maintain a quiet atmosphere and utilize private spaces for listening to guided meditation apps and journaling.
Discover outdoor grassy areas where you can bring a blanket or yoga mat to practice yoga, meditation, journal, or simply rest.
Learn nearby off-campus yoga, pilates, or meditation studios—most offer a student discount.
Know your resources and build your support team before arriving on campus.
Family, friends, and professionals care about your life and will help.
Eating Disorder Coaches are virtual-based and provide private 1:1 evidence-based coaching customized for you. 24/7 text support and weekly virtual sessions allow you to remain in classes and on-campus during eating disorder recovery. Here is a list of Certified Eating Disorder Recovery Coaches from The Carolyn Costin Institute.
Schedule a quick weekly check-in with your previous treatment team, trusted family member, or recovery coach to let them know if you need additional resources and to maintain your personal accountability.
Talk to your roommate—if you are comfortable doing so-let her know that you are in recovery and trying to follow a regularly scheduled meal plan. Most likely she will be willing to offer some support with recovery.
Review the school website for mental health counseling services and on-campus student support organizations. Learn where to find them.
Contact the Registered Dietitian’s office and discuss how she/he can assist you in maintaining your meal plan.
Learn about the Student Health Center and how to contact medical professionals if needed.
Save the contact info for the NEDA hotline: 800-931-2237
Recovery during college is possible!
As you continue working on your recovery remember that progress Not perfection is how you get there. Planning in advance for meals, movement and meditation will decrease the stress that can arise from normal college life. Building a support system with open honest communication is the key to accountability and feeling empowered to reach your goal.
