Finals week can be a time of significant stress and anxiety, especially for individuals in eating disorder recovery. Despite the complex challenges that come with simultaneously balancing final exams and managing recovery, there are many skills and coping strategies that can be used to navigate finals without jeopardizing recovery.

by: Amanda Nussbaum

After being in school for months, many college students are drained and in need of a well-deserved break. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this semester consisted of online classes for the majority of students. However, before enjoying their break, students must first make it through finals — a time that can be very overwhelming, especially for those in recovery from an eating disorder.

At the end of the semester, many professors cram in last-minute tasks, papers, or projects while students simultaneously prepare for finals. The anxiety caused by balancing academics, other commitments, and making time for themselves often affects the eating habits of college students. Some students believe they do not have time to eat, while others forget to eat (or eat sufficiently) while they study. Some students turn to exercise or other coping mechanisms as a way to handle the stress. As a result, college-aged men and women with eating disorders may have a hard time handling the pressure of finals while maintaining recovery.

According to the National Eating Disorders Association, between 10-20% of women and 4-10% of men are diagnosed with an eating disorder while in college. Many of these individuals tend to be perfectionists who yearn for a sense of control in their lives. They also hold themselves to very high standards, which can make the end-of-semester assignments and finals even more challenging. The stress becomes even worse if grades are heavily influenced by final papers or exams.

Although stress levels often escalate during finals, below are some suggestions that may assist students with finishing the semester without jeopardizing their recovery:

Reach Out to Your Supportive System: Students should feel connected to others and be in contact with supportive friends and family during finals week. Many professors understand that this is a stressful time so they are often willing to meet with students to provide help with coursework and exam preparation. Online school, particularly this year, may make communicating difficult, but a quick text, call, or video chat with a supportive friend or professor can be incredibly beneficial.

Meet With Your Treatment Team: Students in recovery should keep in touch with their therapist and treatment team during the stressful end of the semester. They may experience intensified emotions, triggers, or need help handling stress in a healthy way. Talking with professionals can provide additional support. Students should also be honest if they are struggling.

Make a Realistic Schedule: Setting feasible study goals, along with specific study times and breaks, helps avoid cramming and reduces stress. Those in recovery should incorporate meals recommended by their treatment team into their schedule. Schedules may change during finals week, but students in college should try to stick to their routines and the times allotted for meals. Setting a stop-time for studying each night will encourage a better sleep routine, which could help with retaining information and focusing more the next day.

Practice Self-Care: Although it may seem like there is no time to do anything other than studying during finals week, self-care is important. Students in recovery should make at least a little time each day to unwind by listening to music, journaling, watching TV, talking with a friend, playing with a pet, or doing something enjoyable to relax. Limiting time spent on social media during finals is also likely to be beneficial.

Be Kind to Yourself: It is important for those in school to understand that finals and grades do not define a person as a success or a failure. People in recovery should do their best, knowing that the hard work they have done in recovery is invaluable.

As the end of the semester approaches, it could be difficult to manage eating disorder recovery and finals. Having multiple exams and projects due in one week can definitely cause anxiety. Recovery is a process, but there are people who can provide help to those who may be struggling. Although it may be challenging, with the right approach, preparation, and support, individuals in eating disorder recovery can do well on their final exams without reverting to or engaging in eating disorder behaviors.

BALANCE eating disorder treatment center treats the spectrum of eating disorders, including Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating Disorder, compulsive overeating, and other distorted eating behaviors and body image issues. We recognize that being a college student comes with its own unique challenges and stressors. Especially when specialized counseling and nutrition services on campus may be limited. That is why our team offers a large range of programs and services specifically to aid college students on the road to recovery. Our hope is to help our clients repair their relationship to food and their bodies so they are able to succeed on campus in freedom from their eating disorder.

Our admissions team would be happy to answer any questions you may have about our programs and services. Book a free consultation call with our admissions team below or read more about our philosophy here.

This post was written by BALANCE Blog Intern, Amanda Nussbaum.

Amanda is a recent graduate of Ramapo College, where she majored in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. She enjoys being creative, writing, and editing videos, and is passionate about health, wellness, and lifestyle. Throughout college, Amanda volunteered with the Girls on the Run organization, which helps young girls develop a positive self-esteem. She also mentored a young girl through Ramapo College’s chapter of Big Brother, Big Sister. Amanda’s involvement in these organizations helped her realize that she wants to work for a company that has an impact on others, while still being creative with marketing. In the future, Amanda hopes to work in the marketing or communications department of an organization that focuses on teenagers and young adults, and their health and self-confidence. She enjoys contributing to the BALANCE blog!

Navigating Finals in Eating Disorder Recovery