“Pageant Face” is a phenomenon that many people don’t quite understand. It is what I would call the art of smiling through anything. From the outside looking in, a pageant girl seems like she has it all together. Flawless hair & makeup, effortlessly stylish outfits, “fit” physique, and an ability to speak in front […]
Pressure Going back to school can be very difficult for student-athletes surrounded by the heightened pressure. We feel as if there is some hierarchical standard attached to our identity along with our physical appearance. We are constantly monitored by our actions while maintaining a good GPA and social life. In collegiate sports there are numerous […]
2019 was an important year for me! It marked my 10th year in recovery from an eating disorder, and it was the year that I discovered the Body Project. At that time, I was in my 8th year as a high school counselor. Over the years, I have worked with students battling eating disorders and […]
It is that familiar time of year when many of my young adult patients are returning from their summer eating disorder treatment. They find that in working with their discharge planner, they are now faced with the choice to either go back to college or take time off for their recovery. It is an individual […]
It’s August! Excited to return to school? Dreading returning to school? Maybe a little of both? For some, returning to school is exciting while connecting with friends, catching up on events that happened over the summer break, and sharing stories. But for others, it can be filled with dread and having to answer the same […]
As a faculty member at Rogers State University, I always look forward to the fall semester. It’s fun to meet new students and see returning students who are refreshed and ready to continue their educational journey. During the first week of classes, our university hosts Big Tent Day where students learn about academic and support […]
College is an exciting time, but many of the things that make it feel so exciting (independence, social life, lots of class options, etc) can also make it feel stressful and daunting at times. When I started college, I was overwhelmed with the pressure to do it all; get perfect grades, have a vibrant social […]
After summer, fall is perhaps the second-most challenging time of year for children with eating disorders. Going back to school brings a host of uncertainties and challenges that can be dysregulating for children, teens and even college-age adults. As the mother of two children diagnosed with and treated for anorexia nervosa, I’ve gained some experience […]
This blog contains mentions of food to help illustrate specific experiences of the author. Some individuals experiencing eating disorders may have a hard time reading this. Please check in with yourself before reading this and if you need support, you may find these resources helpful. My mother often referred to herself as “chubby and happy” […]
Summer is typically a season where sunny vacations, time with friends and family, and barbecues, festivals, carnivals, and pool parties seem to be the regular occurrence. For most people, it is a time to celebrate and relax. But for those of us in eating disorder recovery, it is also full of unique challenges that those […]