Eating disorders are chronic illnesses leading to emotional instability, physical consequences and an unpredictable path to recovery. Most concerning is that those with this condition have an increase in premature mortality, and in turn require intensive and ongoing care. To have a clear understanding of the most pressing issues facing young adults with this diagnosis, please read: Eating Disorders on College Campuses: Current Insight on Screening, Prevention, and Treatment. Be mindful that students should also be screened for anxiety, depression, OCD, substance abuse and/or histories of trauma. (If there is an expression of suicidal intent, it is suggested one review CAMS, an evidence based, suicide-focused treatment framework).
Regardless of the severity of intrusive thoughts, maladaptive behaviors or length of illness, full recovery is attainable. Early intervention and establishing a team of providers with extensive expertise will enable a student in your care the opportunity to restore all that was lost while in the midst of this often distressing predicament. However, particularly in times of transition, there may be a return to eating disordered behavior. The best defense against this is figuring out what the warning signs might be and putting a solid plan in place to prevent relapse. Let us know how we can help - please do reach out, and let the healing begin.
Dawn Hynes, MSW
Dawn Hynes holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis. She is a passionate advocate dedicated to making mental health treatment accessible to more student-athletes and providing practitioners with state-of-the-art training and resources. For the past 30 years, Dawn has been active in eating disorder recovery work providing individual consults as well as facilitating family interventions within medical settings (such as Boston Children’s Hospital). Outside of her current position as Founder of RISE, Dawn was selected as the Eating Disorder Consultant on behalf of Dr. Silby & Associates, a group practice supporting elite athletes within the US Figure Skating organization. She is also a proud member of both the Academy for Eating Disorders and Eating Disorders Coalition. In addition, Dawn has been part of the Female Athlete Conference since it’s inception, serving as inaugural co-chair. Her present role on the committee focuses on extensive outreach with health care programs and clinicians supporting female athletes (as well as offering guidance on exhibitor sponsorships and marketing efforts to ensure the conference's success).
