Struggling with an eating disorder can be an incredibly isolating experience. It is often accompanied by feelings of shame, guilt, and even self-hatred. At the same time, one's eating disorder may provide a safety-net, taking on the persona of a friend who you simply cannot survive without. Ironically, letting go of that "friend" is the only way to survive. There are many misconceptions about eating disorders that contribute to the stigma experienced by those who struggle with them. It is commonly thought that eating disorders are simply about food, appearance or beauty ideals. Dispelling such myths and educating the public on the reality of eating disorders is critical to decreasing the stigma associated with these illnesses and increasing help-seeking behavior.

 

As Program Director of Advocacy Initiatives for Hynes Recovery Services, I am excited to contribute to the much needed advocacy efforts in the field. In order to effectively enact change, eating disorder survivors, allies, clinicians, and researchers will need to work together to generate increased awareness and improve patient outcomes. Additional research initiatives, participation in lobbying efforts, and openly sharing personal experiences are a few examples of the multitude of advocacy efforts necessary to bring attention to the critical needs of individuals and families affected by eating disorders.

 

 

 

Eliza Lanzillo is pursuing a PhD in Clinical Psychology at Catholic University. Her most recent position was as a postbaccalaureate research fellow at National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Eliza graduated from Brown University in May of 2016 with a degree in psychology.

 

Eliza is passionate about psychology and is a strong advocate for prioritizing mental health on college campuses. During her time at Brown, Eliza served as President of Brown's chapter of Active Minds. This involved organizing several events and weekly meetings to raise awareness about mental health and create a safe space for students to discuss their concerns and interests. She also served as a student advisor to Zencare.co, a listing of peer-recommended therapists modernizing the therapist search process.

 

Eliza has spoken about university mental health on media outlets including

The Wall Street Journal and Dr. Oz, as well as on university campuses nationwide. She continues to pursue her passion for mental health through her research as a clinical psychology PhD student at The Catholic University of America, which focuses on treatment interventions for acutely suicidal youth. Eliza is thrilled to join HRS as Program Director of Advocacy Initiatives.

Advocacy