The typical life of a student involves meeting deadlines, completing assignments and sitting exams which at times, can cause us all to feel pressured and stressed. It is very normal to feel this way and most people just about manage to pull themselves through to the finish line, but in doing so, this can have a significant impact on their eating habits, triggering or contributing to an eating disorder [3]. BEAT Charity did a survey in 2013 which found that around 32% of university students in that year had been diagnosed with eating disorders which shows that this is something that should be addressed. [2]
HOW CAN EXAM STRESS AND PRESSURE LEAD TO EATING DISORDERS?
With no question or a doubt, exams and deadlines are important, however because of the stress and pressure, they can lead to self-neglect. If they are affecting your general self-care regarding both your mental & physical health, seeking for ways to manage this should be your number one priority. If your mental & physical health is deteriorating, this can in turn affect your performance at university, hence why it is so important to make sure that you are ok [5].
Sometimes you may not know that you are developing or experiencing an eating disorder. As mentioned before, it is normal for everyone to go through stress now and again, so here are a few signs below to consider when making the differentiation between an eating disorder & the normal eating behavior of a student. This can help you or help someone you know who may be at risk:
- Negative comments/thinking regarding your weight & appearance [4]
- Avoiding food, hiding or lying about food you have eaten whether it be a lot of food or not enough [4]
- A feeling of a lack of self-control [4]
- Physical weight loss or gain [4]
- A sense of distress or withdrawal from things that you love [4]
- Eating more than usual to relieve stress [1]
- Exercising more than usual to relieve stress that goes beyond your personal limits [1]
- Loss of appetite due to overworking because of stress/pressure [1]
- Missing meals or having no time to cook & eat in order to continue studying [1]
Financial strains at university can also be a contributing factor to why you may not be eating properly. If this is something that is affecting you please ask for help and speak to someone that you can trust or contact your University Student Well-being Centre or Helpline.
HOW TO DEAL WITH STRESS
-
Create daily & weekly timetables that work specifically for YOU.
This allows you to manage your time appropriately, giving you time to study, cook & eat as well as free time to relax and do something you enjoy. This will help you to feel in-control and less overwhelmed. This also involves maybe creating meal plans to ensure that you’re eating the right food. You can even cook every other day and eat leftovers from the day before! [5]. Here is an example of a weekly timetable & meal plan that you can use and adjust to fit your schedule.
-
Find a hobby.
Ensure that you take regular breaks during study periods to do something that you enjoy, whether it be simply watching TV or joining a society at university that interests you. Don’t overwork yourself [5].
-
Find someone you can trust to talk to.
It can be viewed as not important, weird or awkward to speak to someone about your struggles, but this is a key thing. Look for a family member, friend or counselor who will be able to support you and encourage you during times where you can’t encourage yourself. It’s nice to get things off your chest sometimes! [5]
-
Focus on and love yourself.
It’s not always easy when you don’t like the way that you are but remember that you are one of a kind and there has never been, nor will there ever be anyone exactly like you. There’s beauty in what you see as being an imperfection. Focus your mind on the positive things about yourself, the things you have achieved. If you can’t find anything, ask those around you to tell you what they love about you! Write these things down where you can see them & remind yourself about them everyday until you believe it! Don’t compare yourself and your achievements with others, do what works for you & keep to your pace [5].
If you feel you, or someone you know is suffering from an eating disorder, please reach out for help by booking an appointment with your GP and also there are many organisations which offer support for individuals and families suffering from an eating disorder:
- Anorexia and Bulimia Care: http://www.anorexiabulimiacare.org.uk
- Beat: beating eating disorders: https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk
- National Centre for Eating disorders: http://www.anorexiabulimiacare.org.uk
- You can also contact your university student Well-being Centre.
Written by Munashe Mapiye
3rd Year MPharm Student
References:
[1] BEAT (2019). Eating Disorders & Exams. Norwich: BEAT Eating Disorders. Available from BEAT (https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/recovery-information/eating-disorders-and-exams [accessed 28 October 2019].
[2] BEAT (2019). Universities. Norwich: BEAT Eating Disorders. Available from https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/get-involved/universities [accessed 31 October 2019].
[3] BODYWHYS (2019) Eating Disorders & Exams. Dublin: The Eating Disorders Association of Ireland. Available from https://www.bodywhys.ie/understanding-eating-disorders/key-issues/eating-disorders-exams/ [accessed 28 October 2019].
[4] Jacobson, R (2019) Signs a College Student May Have an Eating Disorder. New York: Child Mind Institute. Available on: https://childmind.org/article/signs-a-college-student-may-have-an-eating-disorder/ [accessed 28 October 2019].
[5] Young Minds (2019) Exam Stress. London: Young Minds. Available from https://youngminds.org.uk/find-help/feelings-and-symptoms/exam-stress/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMImuewmJC_5QIVh63tCh0ZKQ2jEAAYAiAAEgIAGfD_BwE [accessed 28 October 2019].