Hello Bay Community!
February 21st-27th is National Eating Disorder Awareness Week. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, 28.8 million Americans experience an eating disorder at least one time in their lives. Research has also shown that disordered eating all but skyrocketed during the pandemic; UCSF noted that disordered eating among teens (not just girls) doubled during the pandemic.
This data is not surprising, as often disordered eating can be linked to a desire for control when someone is feeling like it is lacking in their life. Body image issues are also a major contributing factor to DE, and because teens were staring at themselves in zoom rooms all day, self-judgment and discomfort around self-image was on the rise.
Even though we are out of quarantine, these issues are still quite common in teens, and if disordered eating started during the pandemic, chances are teens might still be struggling with their relationship to food.
Changes in diet and eating can be normal, and it’s still important to check in with your teen if you are concerned. If you do, try coming from a place of non-judgmental curiosity; listening will be your best friend. Counseling is always available to discuss supportive strategies.
National Eating Disorders Helplines: 1-800-931-2237
Call, text, or chat via website.
For crisis situations text "NEDA" to 741741 to be connected to a trained volunteer at Crisis Text Line.
1-888-375-7767 - helpline
Overeaters Anonymous: 1-505-891-2664 - helpline
Multiservice Eating Disorders Association 1-617-558-1881 - Information and resource line.
The Body is Not an Apology - Sonya Renee Taylor. Also a book.
Take care of yourselves and each other,
Suzanne, Christina and Tessa
Bay School Counseling Team
M I N D
Eating Disorders in Teens have “Exploded” During the Pandemic Dr. Lisa Damour walks us through reasons why this phenomenon occurred during the pandemic, what to look out for, how to help, and various resources on the subject.
B O D Y
What is Body Checking and How Can You Control It? Body checking is the phenomenon of constantly “checking” your body to assess overall appearance. Click the article above for more information, including links between body checking and disordered eating. If this behavior becomes a compulsion or if you notice your teen often engaging in it or talking about their body, consider having a conversation with them and listening to what comes up for them around their body, offering support.
S O U L
Love your body meditation
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