Aside from UHS and Mental Health Services, Megan said that the Bureau of Study Counsel, where she met with a counselor three times, was a helpful resource.

“The counselor was very non-judgmental and not trying to make me change anything. She just listened, which was a nice change from high school,” Megan said.

In addition to professional resources, Lister says peer counseling groups, all of which are non-directive, provide safe spaces to talk.

“We are open to anything. It can be an eating-specific call that turns into how blocking is terrible and contributing to stress,” Lister said.

“If it affects your stress level and level of happiness here, it could be affecting a disorder.”

While Megan and Hawley noted the value of therapy and eating disorder-specific resources, they said that opening up to people was instrumental in their recovery. Megan says that friends comprise her biggest support network, and Hawley said she found a validating space at Hillel, where she served as president.

“I found people who valued me based on who I am. We see the good and the God in everyone,” Hawley said. “This community looked beyond the body and competition and academic success. They helped me put focus on what makes my life meaningful.”

—Staff writer Nadia L. Farjood  can be reached at nadiafarjood@college.harvard.