At Risk for Anorexia? Possible Reasons for Developing an Eating Disorder:



~ Pressures associated with sport

~ Uncertainties about growing up

~ Unsure of self concept

Warning Signs of Anorexia Nervosa:

~ Depression

~ Dissatisfaction with body image

~ Exhaustion

~ Family conflict

~ Inability to handle stressful situations

~ Irrational thinking

~ Irritability

~ Isolation

~ Obsessive need for sense of control

~ Perfectionism

~ Severely low body weight

Food Issues:

~ Avoidance of consuming food in the presence of 
other people

~ Constant evaluation of fat content, carbohydrate content, and total number of calories in food products

~ Preoccupied with thoughts of food

PLEASE NOTE: 
This is not a complete list of possible reasons for developing an eating disorder, warning signs, and food issue, but rather, this page is merely an overview of these topics pertaining to MY PERSONAL experiences. Someone who is at risk for developing an eating disorder or currently is suffering from one may experience more or less symptoms and/or have totally different reasons and issues that have led to being at that risk stage or fully engaged in eating disorder behavior.

 Also, this information only concerns anorexia, one of three main types of eating disorders. For more information on anorexia, as well as bulimia and binge eating disorder, please see the links to other eating disorder informative webpages.

 

How to Approach Someone You Suspect May be Suffering:

~ Who should approach the at-risk person?
 Someone who has a good relationship with the at-risk person, such as a friend, coach, or teacher.

~ When should the familiar person attempt to speak to the at-risk person?

 The conversation should be confidential and take place in a non-threatening environment for the at-risk person.

~ How should the approaching person act toward the at-risk person? 

Calm and Concerned
, Understanding and Supportive

~ What should be said to the at-risk person? 

Emphasize the importance of nourishing their body for strength to perform the best they can in all aspects of life. 
If the at-risk person is an athlete, let them know you realize there are many pressures that come with their sport.
Tell them you are aware that coaches, parents, friends, teammates, and the media can often put extra emphasis on the importance of a person’s body weight, and that you may have contributed to the onset of this illness in someway.
 Point out what has been seen and / or heard from the individual themselves or others that has led to the decision of confronting them about this issue. 
Inform the at-risk person that recovery from an eating disorder is possible and treatment is available.
Tell the at-risk person that getting help does not mean he/ she is an inadequate person (or athlete).
 Allow the at-risk person to respond (you may expect denial and anger, but listen).

~ Action to be taken by the approaching person:

 If the at-risk person refuses to admit they have a problem, but there is clear evidence, contacting a physician for further analysis of the at-risk person is necessary to make sure they start getting help as soon as possible.
Even if it is against the at-risk person’s desires, which most likely will be the case, it is extremely crucial to follow through with an appointment. You are doing what is in the best interest for the person. You may be saving a life from self-destruction.

* DO NOT:

~ Threaten to check-up on the at-risk person.

~ Get information about the at-risk person’s situation from their friends or teammates
. You need to directly approach the at-risk person.

~ Ignore the problem
. Allow professionals to help you help the at-risk person.

~ Give up on the person. 
Full recovery can take many years.