On this page you will find advice on how to best support your child and managing as a family.<\/p>\n
For more general information on eating disorders, visit the Eating Disorders<\/a> page in Good Advice.<\/p>\n For information on the services we offer, visit the CAMHS ED Services<\/a> page.<\/p>\n As a parent or a friend, you may notice that an individual is losing weight.\u00a0 However, an eating disorder can be hard to spot \u2013 the majority of those with eating disorders (particularly in adult life) are either normal weight, or overweight.\u00a0 Eating disorders can often go unnoticed for a long period \u2013 symptoms can be easy to hide and are frequently associated with secrecy and shame.\u00a0 An eating disorder is a serious illness which can affect males and females of any ethnicity or weight.<\/p>\n All young people are growing, so it is crucial that they eat regular nourishing meals to give them energy. If they are also doing a lot of activity, they will need to eat more to keep up with their energy needs.<\/p>\n The following signs may alert you to the possibility of an eating disorder<\/p>\n You may notice your young person becoming irritable, distressed or angry.\u00a0\u00a0 This is common if he\/she is beginning to develop an eating disorder.\u00a0 This might make you angry or distressed too, and it is easy for family relationships to deteriorate. It is important to try and understand what is behind their feelings and give them space to share what is going on for them. They may find it difficult to talk in which case you may need to simply reassure your son\/daughter that you are there for them and want to help and support them.<\/p>\n When a young person begins to develop an eating disorder they may become increasingly preoccupied with food, weight and shape and it can affect their peer relationships too.\u00a0 They may become withdrawn from their peers, leaving them isolated and unhappy.\u00a0 It is important to encourage them to keep their relationships going even if they don\u2019t feel like it.\u00a0 Friends can be supportive and a great help in the process of recovery.<\/p>\n Some of these signs, such as loss of weight, loss of interest in usual activities or becoming angry\/irritable may indicate that the young person is suffering from stress, anxiety or depression rather than an eating disorder.<\/p>\n It may be helpful to check out whether their mood has gone down or whether they are worried about something. Young people with depression suffer low mood but may also go off their food and start to lose weight. They often find it very hard to sleep and may lose concentration. Young people with anxiety may be preoccupied with specific worries and may start to avoid things they are anxious about.<\/p>\n Sometimes it is very difficult to tell what the primary problem is. If you are not sure what is going on for the young person, it may be helpful to get them checked out by their GP.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The sooner you address an eating disorder the better, as habits can become entrenched. Eating disorders are very hard to fight alone: someone suffering from an eating problem will likely need you on their side against the illness. They need to know that you are there to keep them safe and well and that you want to help them stay healthy.<\/p>\n It can be hard to know when to ask your GP or school nurse for help \u2013 maybe you worry you\u2019d be wasting their time, or it would mean admitting that there is a problem. However, people are more likely to get better if they ask for help early so don\u2019t hesitate to ask for help if you\u2019re worried: eating disorders are serious illnesses and can be life-threatening.<\/p>\n How to help the young person<\/a><\/p>\n Helping a young person to eat<\/a><\/p>\n Supporting a healthy body image<\/a><\/p>\n Supporting a child with perfectionism<\/a><\/p>\n Using social media<\/a><\/p>\n Supporting siblings<\/a><\/p>\nHow to tell if your child is developing an eating disorder<\/h2>\n
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Social and family relationships<\/h3>\n
Note<\/h3>\n
What to do if your child has an eating disorder<\/h2>\n
\n Make a relationship with your child unrelated to eating<\/span>\n <\/summary>\n
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\n Make family meals a priority<\/span>\n <\/summary>\n
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\n Find out if there is anything worrying your child<\/span>\n <\/summary>\n
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\n If appropriate, keep an eye on what your child is eating at home and at school<\/span>\n <\/summary>\n
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\n Be aware of any physical problems<\/span>\n <\/summary>\n
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\n Read relevant books\/websites<\/span>\n <\/summary>\n
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When and how to get help<\/h2>\n
Further advice for parents and carers<\/h2>\n
General mental health resources for parents and carers<\/h2>\n