Everyone knows at least one of them—that kind of person who is always a little more concerned than normal with what, how much and when they eat. Even though that person’s friends or family have tried to confront them about it, the right thing to say or the right way to say it seems to always pass by.

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This week—right now actually, is the time to talk about it. Feb. 21-26 is National Eating Disorders Awareness week and what better time is there to say to that friend, “Let’s talk about it”?



As part of National Eating Disorders Awareness week, Student Counseling Services at Auburn are offering eating disorder screeners, free of charge, to students.



“At the initial screening, students can meet one of our counselors to talk about their concerns and determine if their eating patterns are characteristic of an eating disorder,” said Dr. Kristee Treadwell, counseling psychologist at Auburn University Student Counseling Services.



Not just this week, but any time during the year, students can visit the counseling center for individual counseling sessions. The brief therapy model offers enrolled students 10 counseling sessions per academic year.



“After the 10 sessions, the student and counselor can then decide if more sessions are necessary for their individual recovery,” said Treadwell. “If necessary, we will allow students to receive more treatment on a case-by-case basis.”



According to some students, being friends with someone struggling with an eating disorder is a common occurrence in the college world.



“Even though I don’t know anyone that has been diagnosed with an eating disorder, I can think of several of my friends who I am 100 percent certain they have some sort of problem that needs to be addressed,” said senior Brianna Henderson.



Caroline Pickett’s situation is a little different. She knows, firsthand, the negative consequences eating disorders can have on not just one person, but their family and friends. For about five years, her older sister has been struggling with anorexia.



“I didn’t know how to help her—no one did,” said Pickett. “We all talk about counting calories or watching our weight, but this consumed her.”



Auburn Student Counseling Services are available Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. by appointment. However, in emergency situations, walk-ins are welcome and seen by staff as needed if availability permits.