<p>Probably the more competitive schools, because I read somewhere that girls born to high-income families are pressured more by schoolwork, etc. and more likely to become anorexic.</p>
<p>I guess also, at top-tier boarding schools, girls start comparing their lives in other aspects as well as academically because they are used to the competitive nature of their school.</p>
<p>This may be just me, but before I went to boarding school (Andover for me) I suffered from disordered eating. I think I've for the most part gotten over that. At boarding school, there are times when personal perfectionism can make it easier to slip into self-destructive behaviors such as anorexia or bulimia, and I do know people that are anorexic or bulimic or fixated on their body at Andover. However, even though at boarding school there aren't parents to make sure you're eating and the girls for some reason do seem to get thinner (once again, maybe just me?), there are other people watching you. There are constantly people around you reminding you to eat breakfast, etc. I know my friends hound me when I'm not eating much at dinner, and everyone notices if something serious is up. Treatment for eating disorders is available at boarding schools, and I think that for now, your talk is enough. Cross that bridge if (not necessarily when) you come to it.</p>
<p>Another Andover alum here. I definitely found the environment scarily easy to slip into eating disorders. Think about it: you have an extremely high-pressured environment, without all the support and resources of a college, away from your parents, and without the perspective that just a few years (20 now, vs 15 back then) gives you. Although I did not have an eating disorder, I had (along with many of my friends) some serious body image issues.</p>
<p>Respectfully, I'd have to disagree with SsPixie. I think that school and socially related stress should definitely be something discussed multiple times- and monitored- during boarding school. In talking to some other prep school alumni friends, I wish I had known at the time that there were other people who were in the same position. Prevention is always better than a cure.</p>
<p>Hm, these things don't just happen at boarding schools sadly. I am at a very academically challenging school, basically the top all girls school where I live.</p>
<p>Anorexia is pretty common. In my class there is a girl who is a year older than us because she had to repeat a year for missing half a scl year while she was in the hospital. Sadly, she's back in the hospital again. </p>
<p>There are several others who have been medically identified as serious anorexics, but there are many others who are so so skinny. And trust me that my school isn't the kind of place where girls make all that much of an effort to look good for. </p>
<p>Haircuts are the extent. No make-up allowed. We have very strict school uniforms, that unlike many other schools, just cannot be toyed with cuz the rules are so rigid. They decide your shoe colour, sock length and everything. Basically they place importance on professionalism. So I really don't think it's the pressure within school to look nice. </p>
<p>A lot of people in my school are perfectionists. But from what I can see, it takes a lot more than academic stress OR the media. The media can only do so much. It's a deepset issue that has to be there for some years/ time and eventually comes bubbling up.</p>
<p>Currently, I too attend Andover, and I must say that the high-pressure atmosphere might foster some sort of emotional or eating disorder to those vulnerable. Because of academic competition's prevalence, such constant comparing might seep into other areas of one's life. I'm of very average build (probably a bit chunky by Andover standards), and the ubiquitousness of athletic, pretty, talented, and overall superior girls (and guys) can be downright stifling.
However, the key to staying stable at a place like Andover is to FIND A STRESS OUTLET. I cannot emphasize enough how my Christian fellowship group got me through the insanity of Upper Year (11th grade). Obviously, do something (legal) that works for you, whether it be exercise, reading, confiding in parents/friends, religious support groups, etc. As long as you (1) realize you can never be absolutely perfect, (2) try not to constantly compare (although it might be hard!) and (3) work to the best of your ability without killing yourself, you should be fine. </p>
<p>And btw, although the large majority of Andover kids are thin, a lot of people gain weight when they come here (I put on 20 lbs my freshman year). So although the Frosh 15 can seriously damage body image, keep in mind that it isn't unusual.</p>
<p>most kids are smart about their eating, and without anybody to feed them, they learn to feed themselves. a lot have better eating habits than before bs. then again, there are kids who order delivery everyday, because they have the money to...</p>
<p>but, there are few who are overweight, near none who are obese.</p>
<p>another concern is that most kids skip breakfast, and many don't eat until lunch time... but there is a large number true athletes, who eat right, and can encourage others to do the same</p>
<p>Ahhh, freshman fifteen... about as true as true gets...</p>
<p>Hi all,</p>
<p>So I currently go to a boarding School for my grade 10 year. This is a while new experience for me as it is only my first year( and seemingly to be my last). I do believe boarding schools have many benefits but I just do not think it is the right fit for me. So in regards to this topic, there is a prominent amount of disordered eating-not necessarily eating disorders. There is a slight difference. Many of my peers come from very wealthy familyâs and do posses that perfectionism mentality. Although at home I can say that there was also the same situation. Both places were filled with the same kind of people. It is very easy for the girls to discuss what they are not going to eat while they find the best ana tips on-line and post thinspiration all over their walls. However, these are not the true mental disorders. I have been suffering from eating disorders for 3 years.I have had immense emotional and physical trauma from it and I know what itâs like to be in that dark place. Itâs not just âtrying to be skinnyâ, there is so much more to it than that. it is not just another diet, it becomes a way of life. I can see it with certain girls who truly suffer from them, as opposed to those who do it for attention, or because it is the thing to do. This is a problem being at boarding school because it starts out as being âinnocentâ. Just something to have in common with your house mates. But then it becomes an obsession. I do not mean to scare you miss, but frankly if your daughter is going to do it, she will, either at home or at boarding school.</p>
<p>@livingitall -</p>
<p>I am so sorry for the pain you are feeling. I urge you to please go to the health center TODAY and talk to someone about what you are experiencing. If you fell and broke your leg, you would be getting help right now. This is just as serious - just not as evident to others.</p>
<p>Wishing you health and healing.</p>
<p>A girl at my school was hospitalised with anorexia at the end of last year, but it wouldnât have been picked up on if it wasnât for her friends at school. I would guess that being with the same people all the time, and living in such close proximity with them would help pick up on issues like these, but I donât have any first hand experience.
@Livingitall, my best wishes to you as well</p>
<p>Even though the idea of eating disorders can be infectious, if you will, the actual disease is not. So as long as your daughter has a good self image and a lot of self confidence, not just in her body but her academic and athletic work too, she will be fine even in an environment where eating disorders can flourish.</p>