According to the South Carolina Department of Mental Health (www.state.sc.us/dmh/anorexia/statistics.htm), nearly half of all Americans personally know someone with an eating disorder.  Considering eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness, this is a frightening statistic.  I urge anyone who is in need of help, or thinks they know someone who is, to research the array of available resources.  I found the information at www.eatingdisordershelpguide.com to be helpful and easy to understand.  Also, I suggest UT students visit the UT Counseling and Mental Health Center's website at www.cmhc.utexas.edu.  Individual and group therapy are available FREE OF CHARGE!  

As we continue to add new information, please feel free to alert us to other helpful resources for female youth suffering from eating disorders, body image issues, low self-esteem, or any self destructive behavior.