They are serious mental illnesses. ...
They are not just women's disorders.
They are life consuming.
Eating food is more complicated for those with eating disorders.
People with eating disorders cannot just "get over it."
They are serious and life-threatening problems.
Recovery is possible. Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental health illness. Eating disorders are unique among mental health disorders in that they manifest in physical health complications, which can lead to serious and life-threatening illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, organ failure and even death if not treated. Many people have odd eating habits but a true eating disorder is "extreme shape and weight control behaviour" which in turn is caused by excessive concerns about your weight. Most people with eating disorders have poor self worth and perfectionist opinions about how they should look and what they should weigh. Eating disorders carry unforgiving consequences: Eating Disorders have the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder. Some studies estimate that up to 4 percent of those with Anorexia and 3.9 percent of those with bulimia will pass due to their illness. Eating disorders usually develop because of a combination of psychological, genetic and social factors. Learning about these issues helps friends and family members to gain a better understanding of why their loved one developed bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa, or some other eating disorder. Encourage healthy-eating habits.
Discuss how diet can affect your health, appearance and energy level. Encourage your teen to eat when he or she is hungry. Eat together as a family
