Supporting a Family While a College Student: Staying Focused on Recovery

Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC, Director of Content and Social Media at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope

The face of today’s college student is changing. No longer limited to students in their late teens and early twenties who may be fresh out of high school, higher education has opened the field to people of all ages.  It is not uncommon to see middle-aged or older adults coming to college, either for a first time degree, to finish an education that was perhaps started but never finished, or simply for the love and joy and learning.

Revisiting the College Opportunity

Many individuals may graduate from high school without any plans or intentions for college, while others may have wanted to attend college, only to find many obstacles standing in the way of the opportunity. This can be for various reasons, such as the financial costs associated with college tuition, inability to relocate, or having higher priorities and responsibilities, such as carrying for a family or certain family members.

While the faces of college students are changing, so are standards in what we consider to be family. With higher costs of living, it is not uncommon for families to combine under one roof to help reduce overall costs. In other families, it may be necessary for both parents to work and generate a dual-income, which may involve extended family members to help take care of younger children.

Whatever the scenario may be, responsibilities and dedication towards caring for family are not taken lightly. Many people may postpone plans for higher education and developing a career in order to care for family needs and support family members.

In other situations, family members who are in the home raising children or perhaps caring for aging parents, it may also be necessary to postpone plans for college. Some individuals in these situations may find that the doors open up for college at a later time in their lives – such as when children are grown, if the financial situation in the home allow the possibility, or when responsibilities and needs are not as great or urgent.

When an Eating Disorder is Also Present

Caring for a family or bearing the responsibility of providing for family members is not something to be taken lightly and requires constant dedication and commitment on a daily basis.

When an eating disorder is also present, this can make things much more complicated to deal with. While putting off college in order to attend to family matters and responsibilities is one thing, many individuals find themselves also putting off needed treatment for an eating disorder because of fear of what may happen if they were unable to care for their family. This is a much more dangerous position to be in as it jeopardizes the safety of the entire family and puts the individual at risk if help is not sought for the eating disorder.

Other individuals who are also caring for family members, whether directly in the home or through financial provision, may be in recovery from an eating disorder and finding the delicate balance between caring from themselves and attending to loved ones.

The prospect of college is always an exciting opportunity to consider, especially when the time is right and when recovery is solidly achieved. However, it is important to know that one person cannot be expected to do everything. When recovery is on the line, there must be a balance to maintain health and wellness.

Keeping Recovery a Priority as a College Student

If you are in recovery from an eating disorder, caring for loved ones in your family, and also returning to college, find ways to keep a steady pace with all your responsibilities. Consider adjusting your academic schedule to a minimal level that will allow you to maintain your responsibilities to your family while staying on top of your recovery.

It is often said that “self-care is not selfish”, a phrase coined as reminder of the importance of caring for yourself. In your effort to care for your family and better your career with higher education, remember the necessity of keeping your recovery a priority.

Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!

What do you think are the challenges caregivers face when it comes to eating disorder recovery?

About the Author: Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves as the Special Projects Coordinator for Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope, where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.

As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH/AH and nutrition private practice.

The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.

We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.

Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on August 30, 2016
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com

Eating Disorder Hope Staff

The EatingDisorderHope.com editorial team comprises experienced writers, editors, and medical reviewers specializing in eating disorders, treatment, and mental and behavioral health.