Help for eating disorders

Eating disorders support group formed
By Martha Harris
A seven-week eating disorders support group will meet Fridays from 3 to 4:30 PM in the Women's Resource Center from March 2 through April 27.
This group is for anyone who struggles with anorexia and bulimia. Fran Kendris from The Center for counseling is one of the leaders for this group. If interested in joining, students need to contact Kendris at 389-4255 by March 2 for a screening appointment.
“Last semester BU hosted a program called "Drop Dead Gorgeous," and the panel discussion group talked about eating disorders among actresses, models and college students,” Kendris said. “We hosted the panel because we wanted to raise awareness on campus about eating disorders, so that’s what this group will do as well.”
Marika Handakas of the department of sociology, social work and criminal justice is the other leader.
“I became involved with this group as a way of providing a needed service within the university community,” Handakas said. “Dr. Kendris, Dr. O'Neill and I decided to form the group because we are aware of the compelling need for it.”
According to the leaders, this group is important to help students with important life issues.
“We intend to discuss a different topic each week including body image, romantic relationships and other topics relevant to college students who are struggling with an eating disorder,” Kendris said. “The group should be of benefit because it will provide a therapeutic, safe and supportive
environment to address issues related to eating disorders, and it will ideally help students to connect with other students who are also struggling with
similar issues.”
“We are open to discussing all issues students bring to the group, but the focus will be on supporting healthy eating habits and promoting adaptive coping skills,” Handakas said. “Eating disorders are potentially fatal, so getting help is crucial. Those who struggle with eating disorders often feel isolated and alone; a
support group will help them know that their peers and the facilitators of the group are there for them.”

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