An estimated 291,000 Iowans suffer from eating disorders, which range from mild to lethal.

Experts are spreading knowledge and information during National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, and calling for additional education, funding and research to combat the problem.

Researchers have not been able to pin down exactly what causes eating disorders, which can range from an unhealthy relationship with food to a lethal obsession with overeating, under-eating, or both; often at the same time.

Lauren Smolar, vice president of mission and education for the National Eating Disorders Association, said the illnesses can show up in a variety of ways, including someone abruptly eating drastically greater or lesser amounts of food than they typically do.

"It could also mean that they are not interested in eating meals with other people anymore," Smolar pointed out. "Drastic changes in shape or weight can be a warning sign of an eating disorder. But even cause for concern can be just changes in mood and shifts in attitudes; the way that they're talking about foods."

One thing researchers agree on is eating disorders are a mental illness, not a choice, and while people often assume young, white females are most frequently afflicted, anorexia and bulimia nervosa, along with a host of other eating disorders, do not discriminate and are common in both genders of varying ages and ethnic groups.

Smolar noted the pandemic heightened awareness of eating disorders and other mental health issues, but added, despite some progress, there is still precious little research, funding and social acceptance of eating disorders as lethal mental illnesses the way, for example, cancer is accepted as a deadly disease.

"But you can see cancer on a physical screening, whereas it's a little harder to show that an eating disorder is there, in essence," Smolar observed. "There is still a lot to be learned about brain chemistry and rewiring of brains and how mental health works, and it's much more normalized to talk about it, but there's just a lot more education that needs to be done."

Smolar said because health care workers are not required to learn about eating disorders as part of their training, early detection is also lacking. The American Society for Nutrition reports more than 10,000 people die each year from eating disorders, the second most lethal mental illness, behind only opioid addiction.

In the past year, the Colorado AgrAbility Project added four behavioral health specialists to help the state's agricultural producers, workers and families who face unique stressors and health risks, including higher rates of suicide.

Chad Reznicek, behavioral health state specialist for the project, said stigma continues to be a barrier when it comes to seeking help for mental or behavioral health but he hopes farmers understand the equipment between their ears is more important than any high-dollar piece of equipment in their operation.

"Because if things aren't going well there, it's really hard to be effective, efficient, resilient and creative in how you're addressing all these other factors that someone has to juggle while they are involved in agriculture," Reznicek pointed out.

For more than 30 years, the Colorado AgrAbility Project has helped farm and ranch families maintain their agriculture lifestyle in the face of physical challenges, limitations, and disabilities. After Colorado lawmakers expanded the project's scope in 2021, more than 1,500 people in rural communities have been able to connect with behavioral health care, stress management resources, and suicide prevention initiatives.

Farmers can access six free therapy sessions with counselors who understand the pressures facing producers, including volatile commodity pricing, drought and extreme weather events, pests and disease. Reznicek emphasized the sessions are anonymous and can be accessed remotely.

"We have providers that will be in their office talking to someone that's actually in the cab of their tractor, if that's what best serves them," Reznicek observed.

The project has conducted anxiety and stress management trainings for students, and workshops for the Colorado Young Farmer and Rancher conference and 4H groups. Reznicek added with farmers' average age now over 60, families can also get help as they face the challenge of creating succession plans.

"And that's great if you've got the time, the resources, the planning and the relationships to make that effective," Reznicek noted. "If not, it becomes incredibly stressful."


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A new law just took effect in California, giving children on Medi-Cal age 12 and older the right to consent to mental health care on their own.

Before, only young people on private insurance could consent to outpatient mental health services independently of their parents, and only in cases where abuse is suspected or the child is in danger of self-harm.

Joy Alafia, executive director of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, said there are close to 6 million youths on Medi-Cal.

"For communities of color, we're looking at 61% of African American children, 59% of Latine children, and 38% of Native and Indigenous children who are Medi-Cal recipients," Alafia reported.

Supporters see it as an equity issue, allowing kids to get help for anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts regardless of their income. Opponents, including the Pacific Justice Institute, argued the law gives counselors too much power at the expense of parents, particularly parents with traditional religious beliefs regarding gender expression.

Alafia noted a law allowing kids with private insurance to seek mental health care without their parents' consent is about 10 years old now. She explained the new law expands the right to kids on Medi-Cal and still requires parental notification if the child wants to go to an overnight shelter.

"This is about children being able to seek support and it's not an intention to exclude the parents," Alafia emphasized. "Unless there's a concern about safety or harm to the child. Other than those scenarios, there is engagement with the parents as well."

Families in need of mental health assistance can call the California Parent and Youth Helpline at 855-427-2736.


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By LaGanzie Kale for KLEK-FM.
Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for the KLEK-FM-Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation-Public News Service Collaboration.

In a significant community conversation on 102.5 FM, host LaGanzie Kale delved into the mental health challenges faced by ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) populations in Northeast Arkansas. Joined by Kenya Ward, LCSW, the discussion highlighted the unique struggles and mental health implications for these hardworking yet financially strained individuals.

Understanding the ALICE Population

ALICE populations include individuals and families who, despite being employed, struggle to meet basic needs due to limited assets and constrained incomes. These individuals live above the federal poverty line—approximately $12,000 for individuals and $24,000 for a family of four—yet they face significant financial challenges in covering essential expenses such as housing, childcare, and debt payments.

Kenya Ward emphasized that about 31% of Arkansas’s population falls into the ALICE category. “These are hardworking people living above the poverty line,” she explained, “but they still have a great deal of difficulty making ends meet and getting their basic needs met.”

Financial Stress and Mental Health

Financial stress significantly contributes to mental health issues among ALICE populations. The constant worry about finances can lead to severe mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety. Ward noted, “One in five Americans will experience some form of mental health issue in their lifetime,” highlighting the prevalence of these conditions.

Current inflation only exacerbates these challenges, with rising costs for necessities like food, clothing, shelter, and gas, while wages remain stagnant. Ward pointed out that even though wages might increase minimally, it is often not enough to make a substantial difference in alleviating financial stress. “This creates a vicious cycle of financial strain and mental health deterioration,” she said.

Manifestations of Mental Health Issues

Depression and anxiety are the most common mental health issues observed in ALICE populations. Ward described how depression might manifest differently between genders. In men, it often appears as anger or irritability due to societal pressures to provide for their families despite insufficient income. “Many times, men feel like it’s safer to demonstrate anger than to show sadness or grief,” Ward explained.

For women, depression and anxiety might present as feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, compounded by the need to balance work and household responsibilities. The constant struggle to make ends meet can lead to significant mental health breakdowns, affecting their overall well-being and productivity at work. This reduction in productivity further jeopardizes their financial situation, creating a cycle of stress and mental health decline.

Barriers to Accessing Mental Health Care

Several barriers prevent ALICE populations from accessing adequate mental health care. Ward highlighted the stigma associated with seeking mental health treatment, lack of time, and being underinsured or uninsured. Many insurance plans require high deductibles before covering mental health services, making it financially unfeasible for many families to seek help.

“People often feel guilt or shame when seeking mental health treatment,” Ward said. “It takes time to dispel these myths and break down the walls of stigma.”

Available Resources and Support

Despite these barriers, resources are available to help those in need. Ward mentioned pro bono sessions, sliding scale fees, and the possibility of working with interns at therapy agencies who can provide free or low-cost services. She emphasized the importance of overcoming the stigma and seeking help, as early intervention can significantly improve mental health outcomes.

Additionally, Ward discussed the role of psychotropic medications in treating mental health issues. While these medications have side effects, they can be a valuable temporary coping strategy to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and anxiety until they can develop more sustainable coping mechanisms through therapy.

The Impact on Productivity

Ward also discussed the impact of mental health issues on productivity. “If your mental health is suffering, you really don’t want to be around people,” she explained. “Most times, you really want to be alone. You want to kind of retreat and withdraw.” This withdrawal can lead to increased absenteeism, lower productivity, and even job turnover, further exacerbating financial and mental health challenges.

Lower productivity and frequent call-ins due to mental health issues can significantly affect the income and job stability of ALICE populations. This, in turn, perpetuates their financial difficulties, making it even harder for them to escape the cycle of financial strain and mental health struggles.

The Role of Therapy

Therapy can play a crucial role in helping ALICE populations cope with their mental health issues. Ward emphasized the importance of seeking help from mental health professionals who can provide diagnosis, develop treatment plans, and offer therapeutic interventions. She also mentioned the benefits of psychotropic medications, which can help manage symptoms and improve mental health stability.

Ward highlighted several resources available to those in need, including pro bono sessions, sliding scale fees, and therapy interns who can provide low-cost services. She also encouraged individuals to seek support from local therapists and mental health agencies.

Call to Action

The conversation concluded with a call to action for those in need to seek help from local therapists. Ward can be found at Jackie Scope Therapy, and there are numerous other mental health professionals in the Jonesboro and Northeast Arkansas area. Seeking help can provide much-needed support and relief for those struggling with the dual burden of financial and mental health challenges.

LaGanzie Kale encouraged listeners to take the first step towards mental wellness. “Help is out there,” he said. “Just do a Google search, find the right therapist for you, and get the help you need. Therapists would rather see you struggling but getting help than to just give up.”

Kenya Ward’s message resonated deeply, emphasizing the need for both individuals and policymakers to address the interconnected issues of financial stability and mental health. By providing support and resources, communities can help ALICE populations overcome their challenges and improve their overall well-being.

For those of you listening, if you or someone you know is struggling, please seek help. Local therapists like Kenya Ward at Jackie Scope Therapy are available, and there are many resources out there. Let’s work together to support our ALICE populations and ensure they receive the help they need.

This community conversation serves as a vital reminder of the challenges faced by ALICE populations in Northeast Arkansas. It urges all of us to take action, provide support, and advocate for policies that address the root causes of financial and mental health struggles. Together, we can make a difference.


LaGanzie Kale wrote this article for KLEK-FM.


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