Eating disorders: weighing in on the facts
By Carole Cera
A local rabbi called Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis, eager to find services for a congregant. The congregant was fearful that her teenage daughter might die if not helped, and she did not know where else to turn.
The congregant told the rabbi that “my beautiful 16-year old daughter” had been refusing to eat, and was now down to 95 pounds. The parents, in their belief that their daughter has an eating disorder, contacted her physician who referred them to a local eating disorder program only to find out there was a long waiting list.
Frantic and fearful, they called the rabbi. He called JFCS. It was the right call. JFCS can help.
Eating disorders is one of several challenging issues (such as addiction, domestic abuse and mental illness) that JFCS has confronted in recent years that the Jewish community had been reluctant to address. JFCS has actively responded, offering both services and sensitivity to those who struggle in our midst.
Eating disorders can include anorexia, bulimia and compulsive overeating. Girls and boys as young as 8 are exhibiting signs of eating disorders. At JFCS we are also seeing adults who have suffered quietly yet painfully for years, finally requesting treatment.
Eating disorders affect 11 million people nationwide, and the number is growing dramatically. It is a pervasive problem in the Jewish community.
Why is this happening? Eating disorders can result from serious mental or physical health issues, behavioral or developmental problems, substance abuse and family issues. Identifying and addressing contributing factors is an important first step in treating symptoms of eating disorders.
Some examples of contributing factors: For those with anorexia, body image often translates into popularity. Distorted thinking may say “thin equals smart.”
People struggling with obesity may lack sufficient physical activity and have busy schedules that make convenient, but unhealthy food the dinner of choice.
There often is a strong sense of shame in having an eating disorder that may make it even more difficult to seek help. Once eating disorders take hold they usually are difficult to stop. And without treatment, eating disorders can be life threatening. Many treatment options are available. There is hope. But recovery takes time and hard work.
To raise awareness of this issue in the Jewish community, JFCS is offering a free program, “Eating Disorders: Weighing in on the Facts,” at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 29, at Adath Jeshurun Congregation.
The guest speaker will be Susan Kleinman, from the Renfrew Center in Florida, which provides training and successful inpatient and outpatient models of care for those suffering with eating disorders. The Renfrew Center, which has several branches on the East Coast, is considered at the forefront of treatment for eating disorders.
Kleinman will discuss eating disorders in the Jewish community and facilitate a panel of individuals and family members who will share their stories.
As a community, we must pay attention to this emerging epidemic and take action. Educating the community on April 29th is a first step. The mental, emotional and physical health of a growing number of at-risk people – especially young people – is at stake.
If you have any questions about treatment options or would like information or resources on eating disorders, contact JFCS at 952-546-0616.
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Carole Cera is Supervisor of Counseling, Intake and Information Services, and the Jewish Big Brother/Big Sister Program at Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis.
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