Did you know that eating disorders damage every system in the human body and lead to almost as many deaths as opioid abuse? That men as well as women suffer from them? That such disorders encompass eating too much, as well as eating too little? That people who are active or retired service members, those who are neurodivergent and people of all ages, ethnicities and genders suffer from eating disorders?
These are just some of the facts used to break myths about eating disorders delivered by Aubrey McBride in her talk at CT State Manchester Monday in the Culinary Arts Center. McBride, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 11 years of experience specializing in the treatment of eating disorders, body image issues and trauma, spoke as part of an event planned by the Mental Health Club and NAMI on Campus. NAMI stands for the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
McBride talked about the variety of patients she has seen in her Newington private practice who suffer from everything from anorexia nervosa, which leads to food restrictions and then calorie burning activities like excessive exercising, to pica, which leads to eating non-food substances, like dirt, soap or hair.
When McBride asked the audience of about 20 people to name causes of such disorders the list went on and on: intrusive thoughts, food scarcity, abuse, trauma, low self-esteem, genetics, early puberty, societal messages and more.
Student Ethan Bigler said he found the session interesting.
“The presentation was very informative, more people should know about the topic,” he said. “The information was well presented.”
McBride emphasized that help is available, though not everyone is receptive to it at first.
“I’ve had plates thrown at me before,” she said.
And for some people it is harder to find help. Another myth McBride broke is that only women suffer from eating disorders.
“It is significantly harder for men to gain treatment on every level,” said Richard Comshaw, who is a nurse practitioner in psychiatry with Central Connecticut Behavioral Health in Rocky Hill.
Sage Hojda, who is coordinator of the Therapeutic Recreation & Disabilities Program at Manchester and a NAMI club advisor, said McBride’s talk is one of two to three guest lectures the club tries to have on campus each semester on topics related to mental health and emotional wellness. The event was also overseen by Joe Navarra, coordinator of CT Manchester’s Office of Disability Services. He is also an advisor of the NAMI on Campus club.
Attendee Ashley McNeil said the topic of eating disorders is an important one.
“It’s important to gain knowledge instead of gaining none at all and furthering your education, she said.
Patrick Greelish, a psychology major student at CT State Manchester, said he attended the talk because he plans to dive into the study of eating disorders.
“I want to gain more insight and use my own personal experiences to educate others,” he said.
Handouts at the event included a list of eating disorder and mental health resources, including the Multi-Services Eating Disorder Association, Families Empowered and Supporting Treatment of Eating Disorders and the National Eating Disorders Association.
There is also a clinic in Middletown McBride mentioned. Monte Nido offers eating disorder care virtually throughout the state and in person. For more information visit http://www.montenido.com.
