S

Eating Issues

S

S

Eating Disorders (ED)

“ED’s are complex conditions that arise from a combination of long-standing behavioral, biological, emotional,

psychological, interpersonal and social factors. National Eating Disorders Association

S

“Eating disorders are mental illness with the highest mortality rate.” Acelus, 2011)

“Full blown eating disorders typically begin between 18-21 years of age.” Hudson, 2007

“ED’s are serious and life threatening and impact all ages, both genders and a variety of ethnicities and socioeconomic groups and occur in a variety of shapes & weights.” AED report aedweb.org

What about body image?

Body image is how you see yourself when you look in the mirror or when you picture yourself in your mind.

It encompasses: What you believe about your own appearance (including your memories,

assumptions and generalizations) How you feel about your body, including your height, shape and weight How you sense and control your body as you move. How you feel in

your body, not just about your body.

Body Image

A clear, true perception of shape Able to celebrate & appreciate one’s

natural body shaped – understand physical appearance says little about value or character

Feel proud and accepting of one’s unique body – refuse to spend unreasonable amount of time worrying about it.

Feel comfortable and confident in one’s body

A distorted perception of one’s shape – you perceive parts of body unlike they really are

Hold belief that only other people are attractive and that one’s own body size or shape is a sign of personal failure

Feel ashamed, self-conscious and anxious about one’s body

Feel uncomfortable and awkward in one’s body

Positive Body Image

Negative Body Image

People with negative body image have a greater likelihood of developing an eating disorder and are more likely to suffer from feelings of depression, isolation, low self-esteem, and obsessions with weight loss.

S

Individuals with eating disorders generally have an unhealthy focus on

food and weight. While body image and weight concern

are common, some individuals develop eating disorders without concern about

weight. Body image issues are not required for an eating disorder

diagnosis.

Keep in mind…

How to help:

Listen openly and reflectively Communicate care, concern, and a desire to talk about issues--

not diagnosis or therapy—just develop a compassionate and forthright conversation that helps person find understanding, support and the proper therapeutic resources

Throughout the process of detection, referral, and recovery, the focus should be on the person feeling healthy and functioning effectively, not on weight, shape or morality

What’s your job as a mentor?

DO Show empathy and support.

Listen without interrupting, judging, or making pronouncements.

Ask what they would like to do next.

Be knowledgeable about resources.

Create a culture of body positivity – focus on character and accomplishments, not appearance.

DON’T Intentionally or unintentionally

become the person’s therapist, savior or victim.

Attempt to “moralize,” closely monitor, or develop therapeutic plans.

Abstain from “fat talk,” discussing other’s appearance

Similar problem, some issues different for malesMales may feel a greater sense of shame or embarrassment due to stigma (Eating disorders are promoted predominantly as a female concern.)

It may be even more important not to mention the term “eating disorder” in the discussion, but rather focus on the specific behaviors that are concerning

Eating disorder behavior presents differently in males. Although the emotional and physical consequences of eating disorders are similar for both sexes, males are more likely to focus on muscle gain, while females are more likely to focus on weight loss

GENDER DIFFERENCES