It's difficult to figure out the exact causes of eating disorders, but it is thought to stem from a dislike of the sufferers' body or appearance.It's difficult to spot bulimia since it doesn't use the starvation tactics of an eating disorder.There are some signs you can look out for if you suspect your teen has a eating disorder.
Step 1: Don't expect rapid weight loss.
Unless another eating disorder is involved, it's not likely that your teen will rapidly lose weight due to bulimia; many individuals with the disorder are of a normal weight or even overweight.It's possible for bulimics to gain weight, rather than lose it.If your teen is bulimic, you need to keep an eye on other signs.A teen with bulimia will binge eat a lot of food in a short amount of time and then either purge (expel it using laxatives, diuretics or by making themselves vomit) or otherwise " make up" for their binge.It doesn't usually affect their weight.A teen with an eating disorder will restrict their food intake and eat small amounts of food, resulting in rapid weight loss.People with binge eating disorder don't do anything to make up for eating large quantities of food, which leads to weight gain.It's possible for a teen to have binge-purge an eating disorder, where they frequently restrict calories and purge what they eat.Their doctor can make the decisions.
Step 2: They should notice if their eating habits have changed.
Brooding is when you eat a lot of food in a short amount of time.It's possible that your teen has been eating a lot of food in secret.Your teen may eat the same amount of food as you, but eat more when you aren't around, or binge when everyone is asleep.Your teen may be using food that is missing from the kitchen for binges.They may take food that isn't supposed to be eaten.If your teen is drinking a lot of water before or after eating, it can make it easier to vomit.Most people who struggle with bulimics try to keep their binges a secret because they don't want you to see them.
Step 3: There are medications to look for.
A teen with an eating disorder may use drugs to help them eat less.Your teen may be using these to help their purges if you notice that these medications are disappearing or being found in places that you wouldn't put them in.If your teen has been using syrup of ipecac to make themselves vomit, take it away, and seek medical attention as soon as possible, because frequent use can be fatal.
Step 4: After meals, watch for your teen in the bathroom.
If your teen is vomiting or using diuretics, they'll use the bathroom soon after they eat so that they have the chance to purge, although some people with bulimia will wait up to an hour to avoid rousing suspicion.The noise of the water may be used to mask the sounds of vomiting if you notice that your teen also runs faucets at random times.The person may smell like vomit after leaving the bathroom.If there's frequently air freshener used when it wasn't used before and your teen smells like brushing their teeth, they may be trying to cover up the smell.Sometimes all of a purge can't be flushed down the first time, so it's possible that your teen is purging.Some teens with bulimia will purge in the shower or the sink to avoid detection or having to flush the toilet if the drain islogged.If your teen has taken up the habit of cleaning their bathroom after never doing it before, they may be trying to hide their purges.
Step 5: Take note of the smaller physical signs.
Some of the health effects of frequent purging can cause some small physical differences in your teen that may mean they've been purging.Some of the signs include swollen cheeks, reddened knuckles, Dehydration, and frequent vomiting.
Step 6: You should be aware of excessive exercise or food restriction.
Some people make up for their binges by exercising too much or eating too little.This is not bulimia.If you notice that your teen is starting to work out too much and sometimes refuse food, they may be struggling with non-purging bulimics.Aerobic exercises and running are the most calories burned by those who exercise excessively.Excuses for not eating include "I'm just not hungry", " I don't like that food" and so on.
Step 7: Take a look at the trash.
If you're taking out the trash, it's a good idea to take a look at the contents, since they'll become distrustful of you if they catch you or find out.Some teens with bulimic tendencies will take out their trash to get rid of evidence, so this may not be a good way of figuring it out.If you find a lot of food boxes or wrappers in your teen's room, it may be a sign of binging.If there are empty bottles for things like diet pills, this can be a problem.
Step 8: If applicable, check if menstrual products are being used.
Your teen's period can become irregular or even stop entirely if they start having periods.If, over a period of a few months, you have had to buy sanitary supplies less frequently or not at all, your teen may have stopped having periods.If a teen hasn't been menstruating for long, having an irregular period or missing periods can be normal for a younger teen.If their periods became irregular or ceased, it should be cause for concern.A missed period can be caused by a variety of factors, which can range from weight changes to a reproductive health issue to pregnancy, and this isn't a perfect way of figuring it out.
Step 9: If your teen is obsessed with weight, take notice.
People with eating disorders often focus on weight, counting calories, and losing weight.Regardless of how long your teen has been showing these signs, they may indicate a problem.Talking a lot about weight loss techniques, calories, exercise, or how much they've eaten, as well as reading magazines, websites or books with diet tips Spending time on websites
Step 10: Do you know if your teen has left?
If your teen used to spend a lot of time out with friends, but now rejects their invitations and spends most of their time alone, it could be due to an eating disorder.It's possible the food is the problem if they reject outings where there will be food.Not everyone who withdraws has an eating disorder and withdrawal can be a sign of many other issues.
Step 11: If your teen suddenly hides, be aware.
It's possible that your teen has an eating disorder if they've become secretive about their eating habits or other behaviors.If your teen is secretive about food, exercise or what they've been doing, take note.
Step 12: They may be lying about their eating habits.
Even if it means they have to lie to you, a teen struggling with an eating disorder will often hide it from you.If your teen lies about what they ate, how much they exercised, or whether or not they were sick in the bathroom, they may be struggling with an eating disorder.When questioned, your teen may deny that anything is wrong or insist that they're fine.
Step 13: You should watch out for emotional swings.
It's normal for teens to have mood swings, but they may be disproportional to the cause or not even have a cause.It is possible that your teen may be depressed or lonely most of the time.It's possible that your teen may have an eating disorder, even if they don't show any signs of it.It's common for someone with an eating disorder to also have a mental health disorder.
Step 14: They have self-consciousness about their appearance.
A teen with an eating disorder is likely to be focused on their appearance and not in a positive way.Wearing baggy clothing spending more time than normal to get dressed frequently checking themselves in the mirror is a symptom of a dislike of their body or appearance.
Step 15: There are signs of low self-esteem.
A teen with the eating disorder may take it out on themselves if they feel inadequate or not good enough.They may feel bad about themselves after a binge or purge.Common signs include self-criticism, which may or may not be related to their weight, and refusal to make eye contact or be touched.I'm too stupid to pass that advanced class.If you notice self- harm or suicidal thoughts, seek immediate help.
Step 16: Don't delay.
Eating disorders can be harmful to the health and wellbeing of your teen.If you suspect your teen has a eating disorder, seek help as soon as possible so that you can help them get on the road to recovery.
Step 17: Discuss your concerns with your teen.
When your teen isn't busy with something else, find an appropriate time to discuss your concerns.Just start with something along the lines of, "I'm a little concerned about your eating habits as of late."Do you have a problem with eating?Don't argue with them.Don't say anything about their looks, positive or negative.Eating disorders don't always have to do with looks, and even if they do, a well-intended comment can backfire and upset your teen.Your teen may not want to be helped.All you can do is encourage them and wait for them to want to accept help.
Step 18: Involve your teen's doctor.
If you take your teen to the doctor, they can be sure that they are dealing with a health problem and not another eating disorder.Your teen's doctor can back you up, as well as refer you to services that your teen could use.
Step 19: Seek treatment options for your teen.
If your teen has an eating disorder, treatment is required to get to the bottom of the issues and to help develop healthy coping strategies.Your teen's doctor or an eating disorder specialist can refer you to treatment options that are specific to your location and what your teen needs.Therapy support groups are one of the most common ways of treating bulimia.
Step 20: You should be a role model.
It's hard to encourage your teen to recover from an eating disorder if there are negative influences in the home, so you and the rest of the family need to set a good example.Don't make negative remarks about others and their appearance, eat regular meals together, limit diet or unhealthy weight loss, and minimize discussion about losing weight.It's important to structure a healthy food environment for your teen if they don't like some of the changes.You can help your teen build a positive relationship with food by preparing them a meal.A vulnerable teen can benefit from family bonding.Keep in mind that this may upset or frustrate your teen, so if you can, get rid of magazines and TV show subscriptions that promote weight loss or unrealistic body expectations, and restrict websites that encourage this as well.Don't offer food to your teen as a source of comfort, and try not to binge on foods when you're upset.A binge-purge cycle can be caused by this.
Step 21: You should be supportive.
Give your teen your support because they need it more than ever.Talk to them honestly about their eating disorder and make sure they understand that you're there for them and you love them.Listen to them and be there for them when they're upset.It's important to give support to someone with an eating disorder.Praise them for things that aren't related to their appearance or weight.
Step 22: Don't criticize your teen.
Eating disorders are not easy to get rid of, and even if you are frustrated, it's not a good idea to take it out on your teen.Say things like "Just eat your food, it's not that hard" or "Do you realize how stressed we are?"They are invalidating a teen with an eating disorder.If you need to let out frustration, let it out when your teen can't hear you.Many sufferers of eating disorders feel they have little control over their eating disorder.Eating disorders are a mental health condition that need professional treatment.
Step 23: Recovering is a long process.
Some people can recover from mental health issues and then return to eating disorders.For both you and the rest of the family, be patient with your teen, and seek support from multiple avenues.Recovery will be easier if you take the steps to support your teen.