Page 99 - Keys to College Success

Recognizing an anxiety disorder can be challenging. In fact, many students who
ultimately are diagnosed do not initially believe they have a medical problem, figuring
that the anxiety they are experiencing is normal. This is especially true for students
who have experienced high levels of anxiety all of their lives up until this point without
any medical intervention. Any student who feels that anxiety is affecting his or her abil-
ity to function in or out of class should consult with a professional to see if an anxiety
disorder is to blame.
Watch Out for Eating Disorders

Millions of people develop serious and sometimes life-threatening eating disorders
every year, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and binge eating disorder. Negative
effects of these disorders range from fertility and obesity issues to digestive tract and
other organ damage, heart failure, and even death. There are three basic types of eat-
ing disorders: 19
■ Anorexia nervosa. People with anorexia nervosa restrict their eating and become
dangerously underweight. They may also engage in over-exercising, vomiting, and
abuse of diuretics and laxatives. Eventually, without proper nourishment, their
internal organs begin to shut down, ending in death if no intervention occurs.
Anorexia nervosa is often linked to excessive anxiety and perfectionism or the
desire for control.
■ Bulimia nervosa. People with bulimia engage in “binge episodes,” which involve
eating excessive amounts of foods and feeling out of control. Following the binge,
the person feels remorseful and attempts to purge the calories through self-
induced vomiting, laxative abuse, excessive exercise, or fast-
ing. Bulimia is often linked to emotional distress that causes
so much pain that an individual tries to “numb” the feeling
by overeating.
■ Binge eating disorder. Binge eating disorder is the most com-
mon eating disorder. People with this condition eat large
amounts of food and feel out of control, similar to those with
bulimia, but they do not purge after a binge episode. However,
just like bulimics, they eat unusually fast, eat in secret, eat
until they feel uncomfortably full, and feel ashamed of their
eating behaviors.

Eating disorders are very difficult to cope with on your
own, in part because you can’t live without food, whereas
avoiding tobacco or alcohol, for example, will not threaten
your life. If you suffer from an eating disorder, risk asking for
help from a counselor who can offer the reward of care and
understanding.

Increase Stability and Focus
with Mindfulness Meditation

Many people’s minds are overwhelmed with thoughts and wor-
ries on a daily basis. Mindfulness refers to paying focused atten-
tion, and meditation is a form of contemplation that helps you
create that focus, reducing stress and anxiety and the damage
they cause to your body. Meditation has measurable physical
effects, such as reducing blood pressure, heart rate, and even
inflammation. 20
How you meditate is up to you—it’s your time. Some
people prefer to meditate outdoors in a natural setting. Pick a quiet time of day and a location where you can be
alone and comfortable. Sit on a cushion or in a chair. Rest your

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