Eating Disorder Awareness Week

 

• Anyone can develop an ED regardless of age, gender, or background.
• An ED is a life-changing illness. Yes, recovery is possible, but the illness can have lifelong effects on your physical and mental health.
• No one chooses to have an ED. It cannot be helped.
• Someone with an ED may be seen as "completely normal" but inside is experiencing something very different.
• You can't always see an ED. Changes in mood or behaviour may be visible. 

Symptoms of an Eating Disorder:

• Tiredness, lack of energy and weakness
• Shame, guilt, and anxiety
• Trouble sleeping
• Mood swings and social withdrawal
• Self-conscious and low self-esteem
• Preoccupation with food 

How to talk about an ED:

• Feel informed - give yourself more confidence by researching trusted sites like BEAT, First Steps ED, Mind, and Young Minds . There are also resources for parents at www.anorexiafamily.com  and newmaudsleycarers-kent.co.uk
• Choose a place where you both feel safe. Remember your mental health matters too.
• EDs thrive on secrecy - breaking the silence is a good thing even if it is challenging.
• Pick a good time to talk - avoid just before, after or during a meal.
• Food is often a symptom - their feelings hold the key to the underlying cause so don’t forget to ask about them.
• Express how you are concerned but do not list things you have "watched" as it may lead to them isolating further.
• Denial is common - if you are worried or concerned there is likely a reason for it.
• If you are concerned but struggle to have a conversation, is there someone else you could raise the concern to?

Beth, YPAG member.