By ELYSE TORIBIO

This week at Ramapo, it’s all about being healthy in mind, body and soul. Beginning on Feb. 21, the Women’s Center will host events and information sessions about eating disorders, coinciding with National Eating Disorder Awareness Week.

For the third annual week-long observance of the disorder, coordinators at the Women’s Center have put together programs that not only entertain and encourage participants, but educate Ramapo students about the causes and dangers of eating disorders, which affect about 10 million women and 1 million men in the U.S., according to the National Eating Disorders Association.

Becky Garrabrant, program coordinator for the week’s events, explains that education about eating disorders is more than just defining the different types—especially for women in college.

“A lot of people have a warped perception about eating disorders,” Garrabrant said. “What people don’t account for is that eating disorders aren’t just anorexia, bulimia, binge eating. It’s this concept called ‘disordered eating,’ where women don’t have the knowledge about healthy eating and how to feel with their bodies. It can snowball.”

Battling Disorders with Better Health and Fitness

The week’s programs will kick off on Monday night with a screening of Thin, the critically acclaimed HBO documentary that follows women dealing with eating disorders.

To inspire a more nutritious eating lifestyle, the Women’s Center and the Delta Phi Epsilon sorority are teaming up to host a Healthy Luncheon for students on Feb. 22 in the Alumni Lounges. The lunch will be catered by Veggie Heaven, and all proceeds will go to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, the philanthropy of the sorority.

Garrabrant explains that many women try and get healthy by changing their eating habits, but without the proper information, they may go about it the wrong way and end up with an eating disorder.

Which is why the week’s programs revolve around encouraging women to treat their bodies well.

On Feb. 23, the Women’s Center will co-sponsor a “Love Yourself Campaign” with Active Minds and the Yoga Club. Students are encouraged to stop by for a free session of yoga, zumba or massages.

“All of this stuff connects,” Garrabrant explains. “If people know healthy ways to fuel their body, it reduces your risk for disordered forms of eating, excessive dieting and exercising, that kind of stuff.”

Identifying and Confronting Triggers

One other aspect of Eating Disorder Awareness Week is identifying triggers for potential victims and survivors of eating disorders. Cory Rosenkranz, psychological counselor at the Center for Health and Counseling, explains why there are more cases of eating disorders in college, and what can be done to prevent them.

“Most often it is a very stressful event that triggers the disorder; many college students have had the disorder since early childhood — they may have had treatment for it or just struggled with it through the years,” Rosenkranz said. “During high school and/or college, the problem is ‘triggered’ when the student/person feels that they are not in control— stressed emotionally, physically and/or mentally.”

Friends and family members of those who have the potential of developing an eating disorder should look for some telltale signs, including a sudden obsession and/or constant complaining about weight, vague eating patterns, low self-esteem and excessive exercise, among others. (Click here for a comprehensive list of additional signs of an eating disorder).

“College presents many more stressors than ever before in their lives,” Rosenkranz continued. “Feeling out of control they will ‘control’ their eating and related behaviors; negative self-concept related to the stressors will also add to the triggering effects.”

“Every eating disorder is different,” Garrabrant said. “It’s like a fingerprint.”

For such a sensitive and unique issue, knowing the signs and seeking appropriate help is key.

Becky Garrabrant, in collaboration with fellow program coordinator Michelle Cresci, has developed a new, creative way to show students what life is like for someone with an eating disorder, and to expose their loved ones to aspects about the disorder.

“It’s an interesting way to show people who don’t have experience with eating disorders,” Garrabrant said.

As a survivor of an eating disorder, Garrabrant is familiar with how the mind of someone with an eating disorder can get distorted. A funhouse mirror display in Friends Hall will help students identify and understand body dysmorphia, while a gallery with things like a spotlight on a toilet will exemplify triggers that may persuade survivors to fall off the wagon.

Garrabrant and the event’s organizers at the Women’s Center encourage all Ramapo students–male and female– to participate in the week’s programs.

“Take this week to appreciate yourself,” Garrabrant said. “Know that you’re not alone.”