Eating disorders are a difficult topic to face when it comes to teens. Often, people want to picture teenagers as children still. In a sense, this is true. But they are also coming upon a difficult age in life where they become much more aware of their bodies, how they look, and what people think of them.
These realizations can lead to difficulty in accepting their own body. And in the age of social media and filters on photos, it’s easy to understand why teens are struggling with the idea of having a picture-perfect body.
Even knowing these bodies don’t exist more often than not, teens still idolize them and try to attain what they believe to be the ideal body. This attempt can often lead them down the dark path of eating disorders.
An eating disorder can affect many aspects of a teenager’s life. From their social life to their home life, an eating disorder can cause significant disruptions in the close relationships the teen has. But school is another place that the effects of an eating disorder can truly show through.
Amidst the current pandemic, most parents are aware of school districts’ coronavirus readiness plans, but are the schools ready to face the topic of eating disorders? And how do they affect teens’ focus during their time in school?
How does an eating disorder affect the brain?
When a student is suffering from an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia, their body and mind will become malnourished. This can cause many problems with focus in and out of school.
Because the brain is malnourished, the ability to control emotions is lower than average. This means something could happen while a student is in class that may seem minor, but due to their malnourished mental state, a teen suffering an eating disorder will blow things further out of proportion. This not only may disrupt their learning time but that of other students as well.
Teens suffering from eating disorders will also have trouble staying on task because their brain lacks the essential nutrients needed to focus. Just as food fuels our bodies, it also fuels our brains.
An eating disorder’s overall effects can cause a teen suffering from them to start doing poorly in school. A once honor roll student may have grades that drop dramatically due to their lack of focus and whirlwind emotions. And their grades suffering can even impact your insurance rates if you lose the good student discount.
Eating disorders come with other side effects on the brain, such as anxiety and depression. In most cases, these things go hand in hand. Eating disorders may cause anxiety and depression, or they may have brought on the eating disorder.
If you or someone you know struggles with anxiety or depression, getting help is the best first step. Look into options such as counseling in Southeastern Connecticut to get started.
What are the warning signs of an eating disorder?
The two most common eating disorders are anorexia and bulimia. Though they share some similarities, they are different in many ways.
Signs of Anorexia
Studies have shown there is a distinct personality type that most commonly suffers from anorexia. The teen will likely be female, enjoy feeling in control, and is a high achiever or perfectionist outwardly. Internally, however, the teen will have extremely low self-esteem.
This is typically where the eating disorder stems from. No matter how skinny those around them say they are, someone suffering from anorexia will not see this in the mirror. Their lack of self-esteem causes them to feel overweight no matter their true outward appearance.
Those suffering from anorexia will often:
- Refuse certain foods or meals altogether
- Frequently complain of feeling fat
- Exercise in excessive amounts to burn off calories
- Dress in clothing that hides their body
- Show signs of dramatic weight loss
- Experience gastrointestinal issues
- Frequently feel dizzy or faint
- Feel cold even in warmer temperatures
There are many signs to be on the lookout for when it comes to anorexia. Not all who suffer from it will experience the same symptoms.
Signs of Bulimia
Unlike the refusal to eat seen in those suffering from anorexia, someone who is bulimic will often eat normal amounts of food, if not excessive amounts at times.
After what is commonly referred to as a food binge, those with bulimia will then purge themselves of the food they ate, removing it from their body through vomiting or laxatives.
This is extremely dangerous for many reasons and can lead to cavities in the teeth, dehydration, and vital organ damage.
Someone who is suffering from bulimia will often:
- Have frequent instances of binge eating
- Withdraw from others after meals
- Spend excessive amounts of time in the bathroom
- Turn on running water while in the bathroom
- Show signs of guilt after eating
- Have cuts or bruises on hands or knuckles
- Frequently complain of feeling fat
- Have fluctuations in weight
There are many signs to look out for if you suspect someone you know is suffering from bulimia. Everyone may experience different symptoms, but these common warning signs are good to look out for.
Having a child who is struggling through an eating disorder can affect parents as well. Don’t let your relationship suffer. Just as it is beneficial to help your child through counseling, options such as marriage counseling in Mystic, Connecticut, can help you and your spouse work through the struggles you’re also experiencing.
Getting a Teen Back on Track
Eating disorders can have many adverse side effects on physical and mental health. They can affect a teen’s focus and performance in school, among many other aspects of their life.
Though it may seem like there is no hope during the worst moments, there are many resources available to work through an eating disorder.
An eating disorder can be treated through the proper channels. There are options available such as anxiety counseling In East Lyme, Ct, and even specialized clinics to help a teen get back on track.
If you are worried your teen is suffering from an eating disorder, be sure to pay attention to the signs and do more of your own research. Don’t hesitate to speak to your teen about healthy eating and what could happen if they do find themselves falling into an eating disorder.
Alexandra Arcand writes and researches for the auto, home, and life insurance comparison site, USInsuranceAgents.com. She is a strong advocate for mental health in children, teens, and adults.
