Eating disorders in young people: how you can help
If you’re concerned that a child or young person might be experiencing difficulty with food or disordered eating, there are a number of ways that you can support them.
Rebecca James, Senior Practitioner – 0-19 Link, Children and Young People’s Community Eating Disorder Service at NHFT, has shared guidance on how to approach this if you’re concerned:
“It can be difficult to approach the issue and you can worry about saying the wrong thing. To begin with, people can deny or not realise there is a problem but the earlier a person get’s help the better their chances of recovery.”
Signs to look out for
If you notice any changes in the way a person is approaching food or their relationship with food, you may notice some of these signs:
- Becoming obsessive about food
- Changes in behaviour
- Distorted beliefs about body shape and size
- Feeling more tired than usual
- Difficulty concentrating
- Exercising much more that before
First steps
It may help to plan what you would like to say first. National charity for eating disorders, BEAT has a great deal of information to help you to become more informed: www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk
The next step is to choose a quiet and private place where you unlikely to be disturbed and choose a time when you are both feeling calm, it is best to avoid meal times, before and after.
Starting a conversation
Try not to focus too much on the person’s food or weight, be curious about how they are feeling and explain to them why you are worried. If they don’t react well reassure them that you are there for them when they are ready to talk.
Accessing support
If they want help, support them to access it – speaking to your school nurse or the GP is a good place to start.
If they deny there is a problem but you are still worried, don’t wait too long to bring it up again
Supporting you
If you need support or advice you can contact the BEAT helpline on 0808 801 0677. This service offers specialist advice for parents, carers, and young people.
NHFT's children and young people service is here to support people under 18 in Northamptonshire. Referral available by a healthcare professional including your GP, school nurse or Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) worker via the Referral Management Centre (RMC). Click here to find out more.
For support and information for people in Northamptonshire over 18 years, visit the Adult Eating Disorder service by clicking here.