Spotting the signs of an Eating Disorder
There are a number of changes you might notice, these are some of the most common things:
- Social isolation
- Avoiding/self-conscious about eating around others
- Difficulty concentrating
- Tiredness
- Irritability
- Low confidence and self-esteem
- Anxiety
- Obsessive and/or rigid behaviour (e.g. restricted foods, specific times for eating)
- Perfectionism and setting unreasonably high personal standards
- Self-harming behaviours
- Changes to weight – gaining, losing or fluctuating weight
- Avoiding physical exercise
- Exercising excessively
- Covering up body parts
- Eating when not hungry
Who Can Help?
Whether you’re concerned about your own eating habits or those of a friend or loved one, help is available.
Your General Practitioner (GP)
It is important that you seek advice from a health professional as soon as possible. Your GP will be able listen carefully and provide advice and refer on to specialist services if required.
Your School
Letting the school know will mean staff are able to put a plan in place for support. This could include:
- Wellbeing check-ins with a member of staff
- Time out card to allow a break from class if necessary
- Adaptations to the timetable which take into account energy levels
- Referral to the school nurse or counsellor
- Reduced homework
Beat Eating Disorders have a range of support services available for children, young people and adults. Click the picture to access the full range of services. Here
Support from Beat Eating Disorders Here
POD (peer-support & online development) is Beat’s online learning platform. It provides a space to learn, share experiences and find community, to those supporting someone with an eating disorder with . On the platform you’ll find a range of workshops, e-learning modules and forums that will help to equip you with the skills you need to support your loved one.
If you are supporting someone with eating problems or an eating disorder access POD here
My Body My Way provides advice for parents and carers about promoting a positive body image.
CARED Scotland – NHS is designed for parents and carers of young people (aged up to 25) in Scotland who have recently received a diagnosis of an eating disorder and are about to, or have just started, treatment.
Helpful Resources
Beat Eating Disorders – The UK’s Eating Disorder Charity
Twitter: @beatED
Facebook: beat.eating.disorders
Helpline: 0808 801 0677 help@beateatingdisorders.org.uk
Youthline: 0808 801 0711 fyp@beateatingdisorders.org.uk
Access free online training modules for education practitioners from Beat Eating Disorders by clicking here
SEDIG – Scottish Eating Disorders Interest Group
Scotland’s charity for supporting, connecting and informing anyone who is affected by eating disorders.
Young Minds – Mental Health Charity for Young People
Information, advice and support for young people who are struggling with their mental health. Includes specific guidance around eating problems.
Twitter: @youngmindsuk
Facebook: YoungMinds
Information, advice and support for anyone experiencing mental health difficulties. Includes specific information about eating problems.