Eating Disorders - Kirsty Watkin (16)

What is an Eating Disorder

Any gender from any racial/ethnic background at any age can suffer from eating disorders.

Eating disorders are a way of coping with unhappy or depressing feelings. An eating disorder is a sign that you need help with coping in life.

Noticing Symptoms

Anorexia - Physical Signs

There are many physical signs for Anorexia

1. Servere weight loss

2. Hormonal changes

3. Poor circulation

4. Dizziness These name just a few.

Behavioural signs

1. Excessive exersize

2. Lying about the food they eat

3. Difficulty concentrating

4. Wearing baggy clothes

Psychological signs

1. Fear of gaining weight

2. Depression

3. Very emotional

4. Constantly dieting

Bulimia - Physical

1. Sore throat

2. Difficulty sleeping

3. Dry skin

4. Irregeular periods

Behavioural signs

1. Eating large amounts of food

2. Being secretive

3. Being sick after eating

Psychological signs

1. feeling depressed

2. feeling ashamed

3. Mood swings

Binge eating - Physical Signs

1. Weight gain

Behavioural signs.

1. Eating large quantities

2. Eating unhealthy foods

Psychological Signs

1. Feeling Emotional

2. Mood swings

3. Feeling out of control

4. Eating disorders do not include food allergies, selective eating or disorders of the digestive system.

People who can help

GP

Psychiatrist

Dietrician

Counsellor

Friends

Family

Help lines (EDA)

Information leaflets

Internet

Self help Groups

The worst thing you can do if you are in this kind of situation is bottle things up. It's important to talk to someone even if this isn't a speciallist (dietrician etc). Friends are really good to talk to if you are having problems or the self help groups like there are on this website. You just have to remember that there is always someone available to listen to you and to try and help.