Eating Disorder Guide For Teens

Having an eating disorder is complicated and most adolescents do not know how to reach out for help. When you decide you are ready for help, it is important to maintain open communication with your support team, which includes your family, friends and professional eating disorder specialists. Know that recovery will not be easy and cannot be done without support from professionals specifically trained in eating disorders treatment. But recovery is definitely possible, and will give you your life back so you can be the happy, healthy person you used to be.

First Steps to Recovery

  1. Realize eating disorders are severe and life threatening illnesses.
  2. Tell someone whom you trust about the eating disorder.
  3. Develop a plan to tell your family.
  4. Set a day and time to tell your family.
  5. Ask a trusted friend to be present as you tell your family.
  6. Ask your family to be supportive and kind during this difficult time.
  7. Seek education and guidance with your family from professional eating disorder specialists.

Getting Help

  1. Ask your family for their love and acceptance.
  2. Begin a journal. Write down personal observations of your daily behaviors, eating habits and moods.
  3. Be honest and open as you speak about your personal observations using concrete examples.
  4. Ask about your family's willingness to help you begin treatment.
  5. Ask questions to gain an understanding of what your family has observed in your behavior, moods and activities.
  6. Work with your family to obtain a thorough examination from your Pediatrician.
  7. Work with your family to locate a professional eating disorder specialist who can develop a professional team to assist in your recovery.
  8. Ask your eating disorder specialists to educate your family on how they can help to support your recovery.
  9. Take responsibility for participating in treatment and working towards recovery.
  10. Stay in treatment. Don't get frustrated and quit. Know eating disorder treatment is a long-term investment.

Keep in mind eating disorders are severe illnesses affecting you and your family. Use your relationships to develop a support team for maintaining focus on recovery. You can overcome your eating disorder and find that your hopes and dreams are still alive and with you!

What's wrong with trying to be thin?

It's healthy to watch what you eat and exercise. What isn't healthy is worrying all the time about your weight and what you eat. People with eating disorders do harmful things to their bodies because of their obsession about their weight and trying to be thin.

If it isn't treated, anorexia can cause the following health problems:

  • Stomach problems
  • Heart problems
  • Irregular periods or no periods
  • Fine hair all over the body, including the face
  • Dry, scaly skin

 

If it isn't treated, bulimia can cause the following health problems:

  • Stomach problems
  • Heart problems
  • Kidney problems
  • Dental problems (from vomiting stomach acid)
  • Dehydration (not enough water in the body)