Eating Disorder Awareness – Statistically the Deadliest of all Mental Illnesses

Eating Disorder Support Program OPI Living“Eating Disorders,” a hot topic of conversation in our national dialog this week because February 24th through March 2nd marks the National Eating Disorders Awareness Week.

“Eating disorders affect over 11 million people in the U.S.,” says one of many e-mails I recently received on this topic. Others inform me that:

“….10-15% of those with eating disorders are male.”

“…statistically it is the deadliest of all mental illnesses.”

“About 80% of the girls/women who have accessed care for their eating disorders do not get the intensity of treatment they need to stay in recovery,” says the South Carolina Department of Mental Health. “They are sent home weeks earlier than the recommended stay.”

Eating Disorders are a big part of the dialog here within the OPI Living Programs, too. This is because our Eating Disorder Track is expanding, especially with the growth of OPI Intensive for men and women 17-28 with Borderline traits and Borderline Personality Disorder.

But eating disorders are a common co-occurring condition among participants at our OPI Intensive and OPI programs, as well as our Intensive Outpatient Program.

“It doesn’t discriminate between diagnoses,” explained Emily Rabuchin, MFT, clinical therapist at OPI and OPI Intensive who continues to recover from this disorder, herself.

“This is an area I get really passionate about,” she said. “It’s not like drugs or alcohol. You can’t just give it up. You have to face food at least three times a day. I love to instill hope that full recovery is in fact possible.”

In the OPI Living Programs, participants struggling with an eating disorder attend a “Food and Feelings” group, meet regularly with Jacque Mullis, Director of Addiction Counseling Services, and are driven to appropriate 12-step and other meetings in the community.

Currently participants suffering from eating disorders meet regularly with dieticians and nutritionists in the nearby area who monitor their weight and help with meal plans, although this will change, soon.  At OPI, we are in the process of hiring a dietician for our own direct team of clinical support who will work even more closely with participants in their apartments, coordinating meals and even stepping in as a support role sitting with them at dinner as needed.

“This can be the most challenging time for clients” said Emily.  “The dietitian can help stop food fears and myths that might be occurring as an internal dialogue and coach them through having a healthy relationship with food.”

Even our Department of Life Coaching gets involved, today, with life coaches accompanying some participants when they plan their weekly menus and shop for food.

“We are able to cater to this population more than ever before,” said Alisa Foreman, acting Program Director at OPI.  “We see a lot of success with these young adults.”

“We help process a participant’s relationship with food and how it ties in with what is going on with them at a deeper level,” Emily said.  “Often, their relationship with food symbolizes their relationship with people.”

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