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Resource TopicsEducational Issues |
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Eating DisordersEating is vital to life. We must eat on a daily basis in order to keep our bodies functioning efficiently. But sometimes we find it difficult to eat in ways that we know are healthy. Emotions, stress and peer pressure can cause teens to alter their eating habits in unhealthy ways. The result can be an eating disorder. Who develops eating disorders?Eating disturbances and disorders occur in virtually all types of people. People of all races, religions, sexual orientations, and economic backgrounds suffer from eating disorders. They affect more females than males, but do occur in both sexes. Eating disorders can happen at any age, but most frequently occur initially during adolescence and young adulthood. What are the signs?Physical
Emotional and Behavioral
Sometimes it is not easy to spot the signs of an eating disorder or disturbance. Many people with anorexia will wear large, baggy clothing to hide the weight loss from others. They will also cook for others to hide their lack of eating. Most people with bulimia will not have any significant change in weight. They may restrict their intake of food in front of others and binge only in privacy. An important concept to remember is that the bulimic or anorexic behaviors you see are only the symptoms of a deeper, underlying problem. Until the emotional and mental processes that caused the eating disturbance or disorder are dealt with, the disturbance or disorder will not go away. What does treatment involve?According to the National Eating Disorders Association, the most effective and long-lasting treatment for an eating disorder is some form of psychotherapy or counseling, coupled with careful attention to medical and nutritional needs. Ideally, this treatment should be tailored to the individual and will vary according to both the severity of the disorder and the patient's individual problems, needs and strengths. Care should be coordinated and provided by a health professional with expertise and experience in dealing with eating disorders. Many people with eating disorders respond to outpatient therapy, including individual, group or family therapy and medical management by their primary care provider. Support groups, nutrition counseling and psychiatric medications under careful medical supervision have also proven helpful for some individuals. Inpatient care is necessary when an eating disorder has led to physical problems that may be life-threatening, or when an eating disorder has reached a level of severe psychological or behavioral problems. The important things to remember are: What Can I Do?
(With appreciation to Methodist Hospital's Eating Disorder Institute) Local ResourcesHuman Development Center Sawtooth Mountain Clinic Family Practice Physicians Statewide ResourcesMethodist Hospital Eating Disorders Institute - St. Louis Park, MN The Emily Program - St. Paul, MN The Hope Network, Inc. (Minnesota-based support network) National ResourcesEating Disorders Reading Focus Adolescent Services: Eating Disorders National Association of Anorexia Nervosa & Associated Disorders National Eating Disorders Association Safe Place Teen Topics Something Fishy website on eating disorders Note: This is by no means meant to include an exhaustive list of mental health supports. Please remember there are many forms of support -- friends, family, spiritual connections, alternative health providers, online resources and internet support groups to name a few. Disclaimer: Listing of resources and websites is for informational purposes only. Inclusion does not indicate endorsement of any resources or website. |
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top | Resource Guide | Kinship Mentor North | Events | Services | About the Collaborative | Home 421 Seventh Street • Two Harbors, MN 55616• 218.834.8221 x 8445 • info@northshorechildren.com | |
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