Let’s Get Real About Eating Disorder Myths

As part of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (EDAW), we’re blogging about various topics to increase awareness about eating disorders. Let’s Get Real!

One way you can help influence the national conversation is by busting common myths about eating disorders.

Here are a few important myths to note:

MYTH: Only thin, white women struggle with eating disorders.

TRUTH: Eating disorders are non-discriminatory. People of all body shapes, races and genders can experience them.

MYTH: People with eating disorders are choosing their behavior in an effort to be noticed.

TRUTH: Eating disorders are not “chosen” behaviors. They’re mental illnesses that often stem from various intersecting sources such as genetics, trauma, abuse and personality characteristics. They’re also learned behaviors that, over time, have taken hold of life as a way to numb emotions or create a sense of control.

MYTH: Eating disorders are just a phase some people go through.

TRUTH: They are not a phase, but a disorder that can have serious physical, emotional and mental consequences if not treated. In some cases, eating disorders can lead to death.

MYTH: It’s simple to end an eating disorder. Just stop the self-harm behavior.

TRUTH: There is no easy fix. Recovery takes time, support from a team of professionals and an extensive amount of perseverance.

If you struggle with eating or body image concerns, help is available and recovery is possible. Nebraska Medicine – University Health Center offers many treatment services for eating disorders. To learn more, visit https://health.unl.edu/caps/eatingdisorders. To explore educational videos, articles and resources for body image concerns, visit https://health.unl.edu/caps/bodyimage.

Don’t Fall for These Common Hydration Myths

By Kirsten Licht, MS, health promotions analyst

Our bodies are comprised of about 60 percent water, and this water is essential for healthy skin, hair, and nails; removing waste through urine; and controlling body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure.

Although we should make drinking water a priority in our day, it’s important to recognize that there are many commonly believed myths about hydration:

MYTH 1: You need 8 cups of water a day.

It’s important to drink water daily, but each person’s intake needs are different. You may need more than eight glasses or you may need less. Your needs can change from day to day and depend on your size, weight, outside temperature, daily activities and the foods you’ve eaten.

MYTH 2: If you’re thirsty, you’re already dehydrated.

If you feel thirsty, you’re not already dehydrated — you’re just thirsty; drink some water and you will likely feel better. Our thirst is pretty accurate in reporting our hydration needs.

Dehydration becomes a problem when you exceed a five to eight percent body water reduction. Symptoms of dehydration are much more severe than a slightly dry mouth. They include dizziness, fatigue, confusion, or not being able to stay awake; faintness that is not relieved by lying down; an inability to stand or walk; rapid breathing; a weak, rapid pulse; and loss of consciousness.

MYTH 3: Clear urine is how to tell if you are hydrated.

If your urine comes out clear, it just means you are full of fluid and it is coming out. If your urine is more concentrated, it will be more yellow, but it is still healthy. If your pee is the color of apple juice or darker, or very smelly, you need more fluid.

In fact, It’s possible to drink too much water, which dilutes the body’s sodium levels and can cause symptomatic hyponatremia, a potentially fatal condition.

MYTH 4: Caffeine dehydrates you.

The diuretic (causing increased passing of urine) effect of caffeine in coffee and soda is mild compared to the amount of fluid they contain. So the take away is that caffeinated fluids can contribute to your daily fluid intake. However, keep in mind that caffeinated drinks can interfere with your sleep, and some drinks may be high in calories and sugar.

Rather than plan your hydration goals around the common myths above, try following these tips to drink more fluid:

• Make drinking water a part of your daily routine
• Always have water handy
• If you need variety, add flavor to your water with sliced cucumbers, kiwi, etc.
• Set a timer on your phone to remind you to fill up your water bottle
• Eat foods with higher water content — cucumbers, watermelon, spinach, grapes, etc.
• Treat yourself to a nice water bottle
• Find the right temperature — do you like freezing water or is room temperature more for you?

 

Sources:

www.webmd.com

www.runnersworld.com

www.cbc.ca

 

Let’s Talk About Depression

“You say you’re ‘depressed’—all I see is resilience. You are allowed to feel messed up and inside out. It doesn’t mean you’re defective—it just means you’re human.” – David Mitchell, Cloud Atlas

Tomorrow is World Health Day, and this year’s theme is Depression: Let’s Talk.

Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses in the U.S. and yet it’s still considered somewhat of a taboo topic to discuss. There’s a perception that depression doesn’t exist or that it’s nothing more than a personal problem or sign of weakness. This stigmatization surrounding depression stems from a misunderstanding of what depression is and is not.

So let’s debunk a few depression myths, shall we?

1. Depression isn’t a feeling or reality that a person brought on themselves and isn’t something you can “just get over.” It’s a serious illness, not a character flaw. You wouldn’t accuse someone with brain cancer for being lazy and causing their own illness, so why treat people with depression this way?

2. Depression isn’t simply being sad. Some moments in life—the loss of a loved one, moving away from home or failing an exam—warrant grieving. Depression and grief share some of the same features, but they are not one in the same. For example, grief is often fleeting, whereas depression lasts for weeks. Grief doesn’t typically affect self-esteem, but with depression, it’s common to loathe oneself and feel hopeless. Grief can lead to depression in some cases, but it’s important to distinguish the two.

3. Depression isn’t just a woman’s disease. While it’s true that women suffer from depression twice as often as men, no one is immune from depression; it’s an equal-opportunity illness. All ages, genders, races and economic statuses can be affected.

4. Depression doesn’t just affect the mind, but the entire body as well. It can negatively impact your immune system, making it more difficult to fight off infections and illnesses. It affects appetite, which can cause serious weight loss or gain. Headaches, stomach pain and other physical symptoms can occur if depression is left untreated. Unipolar major depression is the leading cause of disability, and only heart disease tops depression in causes of lost work days in the U.S.

5. Depression won’t usually disappear if the sufferer ignores it for long enough and refuses to seek help. If treated, depression symptoms can decrease or even disappear. If left untreated, it could lead to failing health or even suicide.

About one in five people will suffer from a mental illness at some point in their lives. With those odds, it’s likely you already interact with someone who currently deals with from depression. Here are a few ways you can help support them and end the stigma surrounding depression:

• Be the example. Take an online mental health screening at least once a year and encourage your friends and family to do the same. If you are worried you might be struggling with depression, make an appointment with Counseling and Psychological Services by calling 402.472.7450.
• Educate yourself. The more you know, the better stigma buster you’ll be. Take time to research depression and other mental illnesses. A good place to start would be the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.
• Watch your language. Expressions like “get over it” or “just relax” can minimize how a person feels. Instead use supportive language like “I’m sorry you aren’t feeling well” and ask what you can do to help.
• Listen and be supportive. People who are depressed often feel isolated, so check in on them and ask them how they’re doing. Spend time with them when you can and know it’s OK to not know what to say. Showing them you care may motivate them to seek treatment if they haven’t already.
• Be kind. Small acts of kindness can go a long way, whether it’s a simple smile to your fellow classmate who passes you on campus or inviting that friend you haven’t talked to in a while out for coffee to chat.
• Share your story. Talking about your struggle with depression can help you recover and challenge stereotypes. It may even encourage others to get help if they need it.

For more information on mental wellness and CAPS services, visit health.unl.edu/caps.