While it is undoubtedly a good thing that public awareness of eating disorders has grown over the last few decades, there is a danger to this presumed knowledge too. You may think that you understand basic facts about who develops these conditions and how to recognize them, but these ideas may keep you from fully comprehending what your child is experiencing. The first step, then, is to forget most of what you think you know about these conditions.
An eating disorder is not about vanity. It is not an example of extreme dieting. It is a disease that can affect males and females of all ages and backgrounds. Read on to discover how to recognize signs of eating disorders and provide support to a loved one facing this struggle.
Recognizing an eating disorder
The following are a few indicators that your child may be suffering from an eating disorder. These lists do not confirm a diagnosis on their own, and are not the only identifiable behaviors linked to these conditions. However, they may indicate that it is time to call an eating disorder center to learn more.
Anorexia Nervosa
- Avoiding meals or claiming not be hungry
- Cooking for others without eating
- Developing rituals like moving food around on plate or chewing excessively
- Dramatic drop in weight over time
- Fixation on appearing overweight
- Layered clothing (often to conceal weight loss)
- Loss of menstrual period (for postpuberty females)
- Sticking rigidly to routine
Bulimia Nervosa
- Avoiding eating in front of others
- Concealing figure in baggy clothes
- Hoarding food items
- Signs of binging including the disappearance of large amounts of food
- Signs of purging such as frequent trips to the restroom
- Stains on teeth
- Swelling around cheeks and jaw
How to show your support
The National Eating Disorder Association has compiled a list of dos and don’ts for parents who want to support their children through this ordeal, but just aren’t sure how to approach the issue without making things worse.
Do
- Be patient
- Invite your child to share their concerns openly without fear of judgment or chastising
- Learn everything you can about eating disorders, including terminology, from a reliable source
- Offer to accompany your child to any appointments or treatments
- Reach out to an eating disorder specialist if you have any questions or concerns
- Vocalize your support
Don’t
- Assume that you always know what is best
- Center conversations on food or appearance
- Impose timetables for your child’s recovery
- Make accusations or place blame on your child or other loved ones
- Take your child’s actions personally
For more tips and information about eating disorders and how to approach them, contact Fairwinds Treatment Center today.
Why choose Fairwinds Treatment Center?
The eating disorder treatment programs we offer have been devised by Dr. Pauline Powers. Dr. Powers is an internationally recognized leader in eating disorder treatment with more than 40 years of experience. She is a published author, researcher and educator in eating disorder intervention methods. Dr. Powers is also the founding President of the Academy for Eating Disorders (AED), past President of the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), a founding member of the Eating Disorders Research Society, and she currently sits on the Editorial Board of the Eating Disorders Review.
With Dr. Powers’ guidance, our team at Fairwinds Treatment Center can help you and your loved ones tackle this issue in an intimate and family-oriented setting. The fact that you are here shows that you already suspect or have confirmed that your child has an unhealthy fixation with his or her weight. Simply recognizing this behavior - and admitting to yourself that you need help to protect your child from harm - is an incredibly difficult step for any parent. But it is also the beginning of your child’s journey toward recovery.