Do You Know The Warning Signs? Eating Disorder Awareness in February

It starts with a few odd behaviors. Your daughter suddenly doesn’t like her favorite foods anymore and becomes anxious at family meals. Your son spends all his time alone in his room or exercising. You may notice weight changes -- or you may not. Is it just teenage angst? Or is something more going on?

Eating disorders can appear at any age, but the most commonly affected are adolescents and young adults ages 12 to 25. The symptoms develop gradually but can worsen quickly. Up to 24 million people in the U.S. suffer from an eating disorder, but only 1 in 10 receive treatment. Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness.

If you suspect that something is wrong, the time to take action is NOW.

But how do you know? And what can you do if you suspect a problem?

Be Aware

Be aware of the symptoms of eating disorders. Early recognition leads to early treatment and faster recovery.

Behavioral Symptoms:

• Food rituals including avoiding certain foods or meals, hiding food, obsession with portion size, and sneaking food
• Isolation from friends and family
• Avoiding school and social activities
• Compulsive exercise
• Extreme focus on achievement and perfection

Physical Symptoms:

• Dramatic weight changes
• Damage to teeth, mouth, or throat
• Digestive problems
• Thinning hair
• Sensitivity to cold
• Low energy or fatigue
• Irregular pulse and breathing rate
• Abnormal electrolyte levels
• Stress fractures
• Stunted growth
• Absent menstruation (in females)

Mental and Emotional Symptoms:

• Unusually mood changes
• Intense sadness or anxiety
• Inability to relax
• Obsession with food, weight, and appearance
• Distorted body image

Approach with Care

Taking the wrong approach to addressing an eating disorder can lead to a defensive response or resistance to treatment. Learn how to approach the situation in a way that promotes positive action.

Don’t Do This:

• Focus only on weight or food
• Push your child to eat or not eat
• Try to control your child’s behavior
• Hover or become overly invasive
• Demonstrate excessive anxiety or worry around your child
• Talk or speak for your child
• Express judgment or shame for your child’s condition
• Single out your child or label your child as the “problem” in the family
• Become solely focused on your child to the exclusion of your partner or other children
• Ignore or avoid talking about your concerns

Do This Instead:

• Talk about your child’s feelings instead of just their behaviors
• Ask what is creating your child’s anxiety or what your child feels they need to control
• Allow your child to talk or speak for himself/herself
• Help your child find a safe place and way to express himself/herself
• Listen to your child without trying to fix their problems for them
• Treat the eating disorder as a family issue involving the whole family’s support
• Understand that it is okay not to have all of the answers
• Talk to a treatment professional about how you can support your child’s recovery

Take Action

Take action as soon as you start having concerns. Waiting or ignoring the signs only allows the situation to worsen.

Actions To Take:

• Schedule a visit with your doctor
• Talk to a counselor or therapist specializing in eating disorder treatment
• Call a help-line for more information
• Adopt a complete approach to treatment to address physical, mental, and emotional recovery
• Seek out your own support to help you through the process
• Talk to your child regularly even if your child resists your help

Have more questions? Contact us today to schedule a free 30-minute consultation – 703 – 255 – 7012 or contact@totalhealthconcepts.net.