Eating disorder support group has first meeting
Presentation focuses on helping students
By Nicole Duvall
Skiff Staff

Disordered Eating Networking Team, an organization that helps students with eating disorders, met for the first time this semester in the Student Center Thursday.

DENT is a program lead by professionals aimed at raising awareness of eating disorders and assisting those who suffer from these mental illnesses gain strength to get help, said Celia Moncrief, chairwoman of DENT.

“The student task force started through student government to help girls (and men) with eating disorders. They are a lot of places for them to get help at TCU and in Fort Worth,” Cheryl Dielman, a psychologist who works with eating disorder patients, said.

DENT brings various dietitians and psychologists to talk with students, as well as their friends and family, about this growing problem. It meets the second and fourth Thursday every month and has a presentation the fourth Thursday of every month, Moncrief said.

“The meetings and presentations are open to all,” Moncrief said. “I encourage (students) to attend and bring friends along. It will be very informative to (those with suffering with an eating disorder) and to others on campus.”

DENT meetings cover a variety of topics from this month’s “How Eating Disorders Start” to next month’s “How to help a friend.” The environment is very causal and non-confrontational. Experts are there to address any questions or concerns that are expressed and are eager to help those in need.

Disordered eating is primarily attached to feelings and helps people suffering to feel that they are in control of their emotions, Dielman said. Dieting is healthly and it makes you feel better about yourself, but when taken to extremes it can be very detrimental to one’s health, she said.

“A majority of people with eating disorders have good grades and are good looking. They just don’t know that. They strive to be perfect,” said Carol Ann, a dietitian specializing in the treatment of eating disorders.

Glory Robinson, assistant dean of Campus Life, urges those with eating disorders to call her or come speak with her confidentially in her office.

“Sadler 101 is the first place to start (to get help). If you don’t feel comfortable talking to someone suffering from an eating disorder, I will talk to them and help them get the proper help,” Robinson said.