Eating disorders - professionals discussion
How would you know that someone is maybe coping
with an eating disorder?Sometimes people try to hide this, but I think if you are aware
that a family member or a friend or an employee is using food as not for eating and for pleasure,
but for other purposes that are good... It's a good indication that they are coping with
something. They might cut food up very small, tiny pieces of it, they might make excuses
at meal times, "Oh, I've already eaten," that sort of thing, and they go to the ladies loo
or gent's loo and induce vomiting. And of course, the big thing to note is they may
well be losing weight. If the eating disorder is of a different type, where they are cramming
food down themselves and then making themselves vomit, weight fluctuation, person might talk
about it or not, some people like to, it's a sort of not drawing attention to, but I'm
coping with this, which is a cry for help of course, but other people take great pains
to hide it. And often family members have coped with this for quite a while before other
people are aware of it.Is there some sort of form of control involved with an eating
disorder?Yes, it can be. It can be a form of control. They feel the other areas of their
life are out of control and this is one area where they really do have control over what
they are putting in their bodies.What would be the best thing to do for someone who...
Could think certain employee or colleague at work is coping with some kind of eating
disorder, what will be the first thing to do?Well, the first thing is to make it okay
for them to talk about it. To let them know that you are there to listen and help. It
would depend on their position and your position of course, but you could offer signposting
to a referral source, it might just be as easy as listening to them and seeing what
help they feel they need. Often, they will feel that they don't need help. That this
is something that's got to be in their life forever, and they have become quite accustomed
to it, but they may also be ready to change that pattern. And if they are, then you need
to have some resources at your fingertips to offer, but in the first case, what you
need to do is listen confidentially to them and assure them that you are there to support
and help, not in any way judgmental. And also get them to find areas of support for themselves,
maybe a friend or someone they really trust, as well as you, so that the problem is opened
up a little bit and it's not kept quite so secret.
Coping with Eating Disorders: Signs and Support
Recognising Signs of an Eating Disorder
Identifying potential signs that someone may be coping with an eating disorder:
- Unusual Eating Habits: Using food for reasons other than nourishment, such as cutting food into tiny pieces or making excuses to avoid meals.
- Behavioural Clues: Disappearing to the bathroom after meals, possible signs of induced vomiting.
- Weight Changes: Significant weight loss or fluctuation, which may or may not be discussed openly.
- Control Issues: Eating disorders can often involve a sense of control over food intake, particularly when other areas of life feel chaotic.
Understanding the Control Aspect
Eating disorders can serve as a form of control:
- Control Amid Chaos: Individuals may use food intake to exert control over a part of their life.
- Psychological Coping Mechanism: It can be a way to manage stress or feelings of helplessness.
Supporting Someone with an Eating Disorder
Steps to take if you suspect a colleague or employee is dealing with an eating disorder:
- Create a Supportive Environment: Encourage open dialogue and let them know you are available to listen without judgement.
- Offer Signposting: Provide information on where they can seek professional help or support groups.
- Respect Confidentiality: Ensure discussions remain confidential and reassure them of your support.
- Encourage Support Networks: Suggest they confide in trusted friends or family members to broaden their support system.