28.8 million Americans – approximately 9% of the U.S. population – will have an eating disorder during their lifetime. These statistics, combined with the fact that eating disorders are the second most deadly mental illness, means that as a society we are at a crucial point.
For the treatment teams at Rogers Behavioral Health, these figures are an important reminder of the continued need to spread awareness of eating disorders and ensure that those in need are able to access care, especially in light of the increased challenges our communities continue to face due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“To me, Not One More means not having one more person’s life ravaged by an eating disorder,” explains Lauren Howard, MS, LPC, a therapist at Rogers’ adult eating disorder residential program. “We’ve seen an increase in eating-related pathologies throughout the pandemic, which makes it even more important to spread awareness about this disease and the different types of people it effects. We know that eating disorders do not discriminate, so we want to do our part to reduce the stigma that’s associated with seeking treatment for eating-related problems.”
One important part of Rogers’ approach to treating eating disorders is experiential therapy, which can consist of art therapy, music therapy, and recreational and movement therapy. For members of the experiential therapy team, Not One More also carries a special meaning.
“Every day I engage with patients enjoying fitness and recreation to help them learn what they are capable of, explore being able to connect the mind and body, and bring enjoyment back to movement,” says Mary Roe, BS-CTRS, recreation therapist for the Eating Disorder Recovery residential program at Rogers. “As we challenge the quantifiable factors of fitness, we realize that being in tune with our body and what it is capable of each day brings enjoyment and value back to life. We believe that not one more person should have to feel alone when challenging their eating disorder.”
To ensure that our patients do not face their eating disorder alone, Rogers also incorporates family involvement and education into each treatment program and level of care. Not only does family participation remind our patients of the community around them, but it has also been shown to improve long-term results.
“We offer innovative approaches and evidence-based care, helping thousands and supporting those traveling the road to resilience against their eating disorder,” says Maggie Richmond, MS, RD, CD, CEDRD, CISSN, lead dietitian for Rogers’ regional division. “I’m proud to say that we focus our efforts so that not one more person has to fight this battle alone.”
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Rogers Behavioral Health provides evidence-based inpatient and residential treatment for those struggling with eating disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, while partial hospitalization (PHP) and intensive outpatient care (IOP) are offered at locations throughout the country. To learn more: Call 800-767-4411 for services in Oconomowoc, call 888-927-2203 for all other locations, or visit rogersbh.org or request a free, confidential screening online.