Eating Disorders Caused by Leaving Home
Go figure that a study would show the link between college students who’ve recently left the comfort (and watchfulness) of home and binge eating. An apparent major influence is the interruption of social networks - those that leave home for college tend to go far away more often than not, leaving them with little immediate social connection before new friendships and supports are established.
Going further, I think it would be safe to say that people with an inclination towards disordered eating of any form are risking relapse or lack of health when venturing into any new living situation that disrupts the normal parametres of having parents, friends and partners there to guide and assure their loved one, and to police eating and body image issues.
I’ve touch upon this in the second part of my interview with Heidi, wherein she admitted that living alone has lead to a return of her past anorexic habits. And to generalize even more, to those really on the cusp of relapse or unhealthiness, a lifestyle change of any sort could bring about disaster.
It’s all about how you deal with change and stress, I suppose. But I can definitely recommend establishing support networks of friends and family in any new situation, as soon as possible. If you’re new on campus, join clubs and societies. New job? Get involved with some of your peers, even if it’s just to grab a coffee or lunch at the same place, at the same time. Look forward to regular dates with those you’re “leaving behind.” And don’t be afraid to call or write the people you rely on most. There’s a reason you feel you can rely on them - you can.
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