The Ulster County Eating Disorders Coalition
Making a Difference: Providing Education, Resources
and Support.
Thank you to our sponsors: Funding provided by the Ulster County Legislature through through Ulster County Health Department and The Mental Health Association in Ulster County, Inc.
If you or someone you know is affected by an eating disorder, we can help. Eating disorders are so common in America that 1 or 2 out of every 100 people will struggle with one. Although eating disorders describe an array of problematic behaviors, the three main types that afflict men and women are:
- Anorexia nervosa, which is often characterized by self-starvation and compulsive exercising.
- Bulimia nervosa, which involves recurring periods of binge eating and purging. Large amounts of food are consumed in a short amount of time, followed by self-induced vomiting, the abuse of laxatives or diuretics, and fasting.
- Binge-eating disorder involves out-of-control or compulsive overeating. Someone with this condition often fluctuates between periods of overeating and dieting.
Does this sound like you?
- I am terrified about being overweight.
- I exercise more than 2 hours per day every day.
- I feel guilty when I eat.
- I vomit after eating.
- I would rather eat by myself than with family and friends.
- I weigh myself daily, and obsess about the number on the scale.
- I have a secret stash of food.
- I worry that I might lose control over how much I eat.
- I get anxious when people urge me to eat.
- Sometimes I think food dominates my life.
If you answered “yes” to any of theses questions, you could be dealing with disordered eating and an unhealthy pre-occupation with your body weight and shape. By not sharing your thoughts with a health care provider, teacher or family member, the emotional and physical toll can be tremendous. Seeking help from a professional with experience in treating eating disorders can provide you with honest feedback about your condition and advice about what to do next.
Source: Integrated Health Solutions, Inc, an outpatient, multidisciplinary team approach for the assessment and treatment of eating disorders www.integratedhealthsolutions.
Taking the first step.
* The first step in dealing with an eating disorder is to speak with a mental-health professional who specializes in the treatment of eating disorders. Experts also recommend contacting a nutritionist or registered dietitian to help develop healthful eating habits and menu planning. A huge part of recovery is accepting that you have an eating disorder and talking about it. Psychotherapy and support groups can help. CLICK HERE to access the Ulster County Eating Disorders Resource Guide, which lists local providers that can help.
* CLICK HERE to learn about our Free Support Groups.
* You can also let your voice be heard by joining the Ulster County Eating Disorders Coaltion. The Eating Disorders Coalition was started in response to the lack of adequate services available to individuals who are coping with an eating disorder in Ulster County. The main objectives of the coalition are to create a network of eating disorder knowledgeable providers, create appropriate support groups, and advocate rights. CLICK HERE to email the Ulster County Eating Disorders Coalition chair, Martha Steudng, or call (845) 339-9090 Ext. 109 to find out more about joining.
The Coalition generally meets on the second Tuesday of every other month at 1:30pm at Mental Health Association’s Tuytenbridge office in Lake Katrine and is open to everyone. Get Google driving directions here.
The 2013 Ulster County Eating Disorders Coalition Meeting Schedule Is As Follows:
February 12
April 9
June 11
-No August Meeting-
October 8
December 10
Ulster County Eating Disorders Coalition In The News!
Legislature
Proclaims February 26 - March 3 as
Ulster County Eating Disorder Awareness Week
Click Here to view the press release
