As summer comes to a close, school is right around the corner. The stress of changes in routine, like going back to school, can often trigger people suffering with eating disorders. If you suspect a friend or family member may be struggling, here are a few common eating disorder signs to look out for.
The Pandemic Made Eating Disorders Worse
Eating disorders can affect anyone–even the most high performing among us. And according to longitudinal research looking back at 2000-2018, eating disorders are on the rise. A growing number of men are experiencing anorexia and/or bulimia, and the prevalence of eating disorders in the in Asian as well as Middle Eastern nations continues to grow.
The pandemic only made things worse. Over the past year and a half, mental health professionals have seen the ways Covid has wrecked havoc and caused stress for everyone, including people with food anxiety. In a survey conducted in July of 2020, people dealing with anorexia and/or bulimia reported that their symptoms got worse during the pandemic.
In clinic, some of the most common diagnoses I’ve worked with are:
- Anorexia nerovsa
- Bulimia nervosa
- Binge eating disorder
- ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder)
Signs Someone You Love Might Have an Eating Disorder
- Body image concerns
- Weight loss
- Self harm behaviors (cuttings on thighs and wrists)
- Behaviors that go unnoticed (purging and binging)
- Wearing clothes that fit very loosely
- Wanting to isolate
- No longer feeling pleasure in activities they once enjoyed
- Severe malnutrition
- Anxiety eating in social settings
- Depressed mood
- Increased anxiety related to food
How You Can Help
Since we’re about to experience a big transition back to school, it’s important to pay attention to the signs above. A mental health professional such as myself can help your loved one learn to manage anxiety and depression. Contact me for a free 15-minute consultation if you’d like to learn more about how I can help you and those you care about.
If your loved one has already been diagnosed with an eating disorder already, that person needs supervised meals and to be monitored for at least 30 minutes after meals. Creating a structure around eating can help ease anxiety. You’ll also want to consult with a primary care physician or other medical professional to monitor your loved one’s vital signs.
Photo by Andres Ayrton from Pexels
Very useful signs to look out for!