Eating disorders are a serious problem faced by people of all ages. Anorexia in children evokes strong emotions in many parents and an immediate desire to help their child. Depending on the severity of the disease, treatment of anorexia may be at home or in the hospital. Many people feel ashamed and anxious to speak to a child who is experiencing this kind of trouble for the first time. No wonder, but it should be remembered that the appropriate support of the sick person is very important in the treatment process. We invite you to the article in which we introduce the topic of children with anorexia and ways to support the person under care in difficult times.
Table of contents:
How do I talk to someone with an eating disorder?
Getting ready to talk to your baby
Disturbing anorexia symptoms
Treatment of anorexia
How to talk to someone with an eating disorder?
Parents usually don’t know how to talk to an anorexic or anorexic. Often they are faced with a problem for the first time, and despite the best of their wishes, they have a lot of fear. What is worth paying attention to during such a conversation?
- listen carefully and do not judge the child – even if you sense that your daughter or son is not telling you the whole truth, do not be dissatisfied with them. The sick person is very overwhelmed by their situation, may feel ashamed and afraid to talk about it;
- encourage honest expression of feelings – ask the child to speak honestly about them. Try to create an atmosphere full of trust and kindness. Be sure not to contradict your child’s feelings as this will make them even closer to honest conversations. Everyone has the right to feel different emotions;
- manage your emotions – show the mentee peace and interest. Try not to show your child anger or fear as this will make him feel guilty.
Preparing to talk to your baby
When thinking about how to talk to a child suffering from anorexia, remember to prepare for such a conversation . So let’s seek reliable knowledge about the problem, but with the awareness that only a specialist can make a diagnosis. Think carefully about what you want to say, because acting under the influence of emotions, making demands, or threatening the consequences will not work. Try to speak in a soft tone of voice and listen carefully.
It is very important in a conversation with a person suffering from childhood anorexia to choose the right moment and place for the interview . Do not engage in a conversation during a meal as this is a difficult moment during the day for the disturbed person. Try to provide your child with a sense of security and comfort.
Disturbing symptoms of anorexia
What are the symptoms of anorexia in children? The first is obviously a significant weight loss. A person with an eating disorder is constantly dissatisfied with their weight and wants to be thinner and thinner. What else should get the parent’s attention?
- applying a rigorous diet, performing intense exercise to lose weight even more;
- distorted self-perception – despite the slim figure, the sick person still thinks that they are “too fat”;
- a feeling of fullness in the stomach, even after eating a small meal;
- flatulence / constipation;
- hormonal disorders, sometimes complete amenorrhea;
- decreased body temperature, dry, flaky skin;
- hair loss.
Treatment of anorexia
How is anorexia in children treated? Above all, be aware that this is a disorder that has a mental crisis at its root. Both the body and the psyche need treatment. Recovery is usually long and requires work and professional help, which will be provided by a child psychologist. Well-conducted psychotherapy aims to restore healthy eating habits that allow you to maintain a proper weight. During therapy, children with anorexia nervosa learn to accept themselves and strengthen their self-esteem. It happens that treatment has to be carried out in hospital when the body is severely weakened.
Anorexia in children requires the support of a specialist and the closest people. Are you looking for a person who will help your child? An experienced psychologist in Wołomin deals with the treatment of eating disorders and other mental problems in children. The implementation of appropriate therapy and support from family and friends give your child a chance to recover.