Addressing and Supporting Teenage Eating Disturbances
In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, counseling and treatment opportunities for psychological issues, including eating disorders, have unfortunately fallen by the wayside. Early intervention could have potentially addressed these issues before they escalated.
If you suspect a friend or family member is struggling with an eating disorder, it's crucial to approach them with empathy and express concern for their wellbeing. Relatives and friends can offer significant support through warmth, empathy, open communication, and validation of their feelings. Acknowledging their fears and concerns without judgment, maintaining ongoing honest conversations, and encouraging professional treatment are all vital steps.
Eating disorders are complex and multifaceted, with no single cause. They often stem from a combination of mental health challenges (such as anxiety and depression), stress (including school and social pressures), bullying (especially weight- or appearance-related), and high exposure to body-focused or dieting content on social media. These factors contribute to body dissatisfaction and can trigger or maintain disordered eating behaviors, particularly among those who are genetically predisposed or experiencing interpersonal difficulties.
It's important to remember that eating disorders are not a misguided interpretation of a TV show like Germany's Next Topmodel, but rather a desperate attempt at a solution, or a means of asserting control over one's life, particularly eating behavior and weight.
Fortunately, eating disorders are treatable and curable. Five years after the end of therapy for anorexia, 41 percent of patients could be classified as recovered, showing no abnormalities in the area of eating disorders or other mental illnesses.
In Germany, hospitalizations for eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia have doubled in the past 20 years among young patients. This trend underscores the need for increased awareness and support for those affected.
Spatial and social isolation within the nuclear family, societal changes, social media, wars, climate change, and the Covid pandemic and accompanying measures have all contributed to the increase in mental illnesses among young people worldwide, particularly in industrialized nations.
It's essential to note that friends and family should not feel solely responsible for addressing an eating disorder. Professional counseling centers are accessible and offer valuable support for those affected. The BIÖG hotline (0221 892031) provides advice on suitable local and regional points of contact for eating disorder support.
Lastly, it's worth mentioning that eating disorders can become deeply ingrained, almost merged with one's own identity. It's crucial to remember that the illness does not define the person, and recovery is possible with the right support and treatment.
Science has highlighted that eating disorders often stem from a combination of mental health challenges like anxiety and depression, along with factors such as stress, bullying, exposure to dieting content on social media, and genetic predisposition. In the realm of health-and-wellness, addressing mental health, including mental-health issues related to eating disorders, is crucial for prevention and treatment.
