Online screenings: National Eating Disorder Awareness Week

Student Health Promotion is proud to participate in National Eating Disorder Awareness Week by providing free screenings for depression and other mood disorders online throughout the month of February.  An estimated 30 million people in the United States will have an eating disorder in their lifetime, but about 70% of those people will never seek help for it. Eating disorders are the most fatal mental health condition, both due to physical complications of disordered eating and because those living with them are at a high risk of suicide. But the good news is they’re treatable and help is available. According to the Eating Recovery Center, about 80% of those who complete treatment are able to recover or improve significantly.

National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, held Feb. 23 – 29, 2020, serves as a supportive community initiative to connect the public with mental health screenings, help teach individuals signs of different eating disorders, and connect those in need with nearby resources where they can get potentially life-saving support. The online screenings are educational in nature and not diagnostic. They will help someone determine if they are exhibiting symptoms associated with an eating disorder or other mental health condition and if they should seek help.

Students can access the screening online or visit a Healthy State event throughout the month on each campus. The Counseling Center and Student Nutrition Services will have the screenings available to students. Follow #ILoveMeGSU throughout the month of February to learn self-care tips from Georgia State University students, staff, and faculty.