By Rachael S.
Rachael is a former MSU student who received care for disordered eating through University Health and Wellbeing's Nutrition Services during her time on campus. Now fully recovered from disordered eating, she currently works at UHW and shares her story to support students who may be struggling.
If you’re struggling with food or body image, this is for you.
College can be overwhelming. There is always an assignment due, a phone buzzing, a friend to catch up with, and homesickness that pops up at exactly the worst moment. In all the noise, it’s easy to miss the signs that something is wrong. The small things, like skipped meals or worries about our diets, feel like they could be another part of college life.
For me, it was hard to spot these early warning signs of disordered eating.
The habits crept up slowly. At first, I was taking note of how much food I ate or checking the mirror more often. Before long, I would catch myself adding up calories in the margins of my class notes. I was thinking about food more than I was eating it.
That’s when I realized something was not right. I was giving more power to food than the things that gave me meaning and joy. Waiting to recover was not an option; I wanted to recover before graduation, so that I could start my career happier and healthier.
On a random morning between lectures, I emailed a dietitian on Campus Health Services’ Nutrition Services team. She invited me to set up an appointment, and we were able to get a visit on the calendar. Within days, I was in her office, starting my recovery journey.
Like all my MSU providers, she saw the whole me, not just symptoms on a checklist. She truly understood my reservations about recovery, while also hearing my hopes to get better. In these discussions, she also spotted other concerns that needed medical care.
With her referral to CHS, we developed a complete care team. I was no longer alone with my struggle. My MSU dietitian, primary care physician, and psychiatrist – plus an amazing off-campus counselor – were able to support me while I recovered from disordered eating and addressed other issues. Cost can be a barrier to treatment, but Counseling and Psychiatric Services also helped me navigate and change my Medicaid health insurance plan, so my care would be fully covered.
With University Health and Wellbeing’s holistic support, recovery became more than a wish – it was a possibility. I am grateful that I recovered with MSU’s support.
Those who have recovered know that the experience isn’t linear, but the journey is worth it. I was able to overcome most of my symptoms within a year and fully recovered within two – just in time for graduation.
Eventually, I returned to UHW as an employee, but only because I first knew our services and staff as a student who needed help. My story is why I believe in UHW, and why I encourage you to reach out if you’re struggling.
As we recognize Eating Disorders Awareness Week (February 23 – March 1), I hope that you will connect with UHW to start your recovery journey. UHW Nutrition Services can be reached by calling 517-353-4660. That said, know that anywhere is okay to start at University Health and Wellbeing, whether Nutrition Services, Primary Care, or Counseling and Psychiatric Services . The compassionate team will take care of you and support your individual path toward health.
This year’s National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (NEDAW) theme is “Fighting for Change, Committed to Change – Every Body Belongs.” Food can easily become a source of stress, especially when we face cultural messages that tell us to pursue the “perfect” body and diet, even as they promote disordered eating habits. Constant worry about weight, shape, and calories can lead to ongoing dissatisfaction and preoccupation that affects your mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. Every body belongs, and you do not need to wait to reach out for support. UHW is ready to support you at any point in your journey.