Eating Disorder Awareness Week!
Monday, February 26th - Sunday, March 4th
Sharing Concerns About Your Eating
Disordered eating is when a person’s attitudes about food, weight, and body size lead to very rigid eating and exercise habits that jeopardize one's health, happiness, and safety. It is never too early to ask for help about eating concerns.
When you begin to notice that disordered eating habits are affecting your life, your happiness, and your ability to concentrate, it is important that you talk to somebody about what you’re going through. These behaviors can quickly get out of control and may even lead to an eating disorder, which can be a life-threatening problem.
If you are able to recognize disordered eating attitudes and behaviors in yourself, you have already taken the first step toward a happy, healthy, balanced way of life. The second step—telling a trusted friend, family member, or professional counselor/nutritionist—is equally as important.
You should not attempt to address your disordered eating alone; discussing the feelings you’re experiencing with a loved one can provide essential comfort, support, and direction. Starting that initial conversation may be challenging, but these guidelines were developed to help to make it a bit easier.
How to Help a Loved One
Screenings and Resources
Counseling Services
Counseling Services offers a free and confidential screening to help detect eating disorders.
While we do facilitate one screening day per term, you can contact us at any time to take a screening and meet briefly with a counselor to discuss your results, recommendations, and answer questions you may have.
Call us at 309-341-7492 or send an email to counseling@knox.edu.
National Eating Disorders Assocation
The NEDA Helpline is available Monday-Thursday from 9AM to 9PM ET, and Friday from 9AM to 5PM ET. Contact the Helpline for support, resources and treatment options for yourself or a loved one. (800) 931-2237.
For crisis situations, text "NEDA" to 741741 to be connected with a trained volunteer at Crisis Text Line
Counseling Services
Making an appointment is easy! Calling is the fastest way to schedule an appointment, but you can also visit our office or send us an email!
Current Staff:
Janell McGruder – Director, Counselor
Megan Downs – Assistant Director, Counselor
Cody Maddock – Counselor
Claire Palmer – Intake Coordinator
Vicki Swedlund - Administrative Assistant
Email: counseling@knox.edu
Website: https://www.knox.edu/offices/health-and-counseling-center/counseling-services
Location: Furrow Hall 175 West Knox ST.
Phone: 309-341-7492
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/knoxcollegecounselingservices/