If You Suspect That A Student Has An Eating Disorder

Do...

• Promptly identify eating disorders and refer to the appropriate resources.
• Find out your community resources, mental health, family services, and child guidance agencies.
• Find out your school's policy about when to inform parents.
• Confront the student alone, in a caring non-judgmental way.
• Look for leverage if the student denies the problem.
• Do require that the student take responsibility for the consequence of his/or her actions.
• Model good eating habits and self-acceptance.
• Provide the recovering student with a supportive, accepting environment.
• Request help for yourself

Don't...

• Don't wait
• Don't suggest that families look for their own treatment resources.
• Don't say " You have an eating disorder." Don't scold or attempt to change the student's mind about eating and weight. This is the best handled therapy.
• Don't leave the problem alone initially, unless and experienced professional suggests you do so.
• Don't ignore behavior which hurts the student and/or others( vomiting, losing weight to emaciation, stealing, lying, substance abuse, etc.)
• Don't allow school activities which promote weight loss and place emphasis on appearance.
• Don't comment on weight or appearance when the student gains weight.

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