How to support your child with eating disorders
There has been a significant increase in reports of eating disorders across mental health services since the Covid-19 pandemic. Most eating disorders start during the teenage years (or adolescence), and they can have serious long-term consequences for a young person’s physical and mental health. So, as parents, it’s important that we know how to tell when a child may need support, and where to go for help.
What is an eating disorder?
Eating disorders aren’t a choice or an extreme form of dieting. They are a mental illness that involves disturbances and changes to a person’s attitudes around food, eating, appearance and body weight, and their consequences can be life-threatening.
What are the signs of an eating disorder
A young person may not tell you if they develop a problem around food. However, there are some common signs to look out for which may suggest that your child has an eating disorder.
Physical changes
Sudden weight changes
Self induced vomiting
Tiredness, even with normal sleep patterns
Behavioural changes
Avoiding food and/or mealtimes
Hiding or restricting food
Going to the toilet a lot after meals
Over-exercising
Wearing baggy clothes to hide body changes
Changes to mood and emotions
Having low self esteem
Feeling ugly and worthless
Becoming isolated
Developing obsessions and/or being a perfectionist
Becoming stressed and anxious
What should I do if my child has an eating disorder?
Getting early help gives young people the best chance of recovering from an eating disorder. So if you think your child is struggling, don’t ignore it: accepting and admitting the problem is the first step to recovery.
Your child might be reluctant to open up about their difficulties, which could be frustrating and distressing for you, but it’s important to keep trying. These conversations are difficult, and the best approach is to be patient and open with them, stay calm and listen, and try not to blame anyone (including yourself).
If your child doesn’t want to speak about their eating problems with you, don’t take it personally - instead, work with them to identify someone they are happy to talk to.
Who can help if my child has an eating disorder?
If you’re worried, the first step is to contact your GP who can refer your child to CAMHS (Child and adolescent mental health services) and specialist Eating Disorder services. You could also reach out to a counselling service that specialises in supporting young people.
Open Door is a leading provider of person-centred youth counselling, offering face-to-face sessions in Birmingham, and online sessions for young people across the country. If you need more support with anxiety and depression, contact us on 0121 454 1116 or find out more about our counselling services for children and young people.
The video above was commissioned by our partners at LionHeart for Children’s Mental Health Week. We are sharing it here in the hope that it will help those who are seeking to support young people with anxiety.
Colette Hartley is Business and Safeguarding Manager at Open Door Counselling