It is a reality that mental problems have increased such the arrival of the pandemic. Within the general population, adolescents are one of the groups in which these disorders are most evident. Although mental problems can be varied, those related to eating tend to affect a significant number of young people.
In the next article we will show you how to help those young people who have some kind of eating behavior disorder.
Warning signs regarding mental disorders
- The young person who suffers from a disorder begins to avoid common spaces within the house and prefers to isolate himself in his room. The estrangement occurs with respect to the family and social level.
- He does not share the emotional state with his family and becomes much more introverted. Communication with the family is almost non-existent and his character changed completely. The young man becomes apathetic, pessimistic and more aggressive.
- The relationship with the body has a greater importance in the life of the adolescent. He may choose to look at himself in the mirror in a compulsive way or reject himself completely and deny his physical appearance. The way of dressing can also change completely.
How parents should act if their child suffers from an eating disorder
The family has an essential role in helping a young person, who suffers from such an eating disorder. Then we give you some guidelines to help a young person who suffers from eating disorders:
- It is important not to be constantly on top of the youngster, especially at mealtimes. This behavior on the part of the parents will make the situation worse.
- You should avoid making comments about the food, otherwise the young person may feel bad and guilty about the whole situation.
- Parents should avoid making comments about physical appearance at all times.. Self-image plays a fundamental role in this class of eating-related disorders.
- An eating behavior disorder is not nonsense since it is considered a serious and complex disease. That is why parents must be patient with the improvement of their child.
- It is important to re-establish good communication with the young person. It is good to make him see that he has someone to lean on if he considers it appropriate.
- Despite the isolation and apathetic nature, it is essential not to neglect the family bond at any time. Family activities are recommended. and spending time together to create a positive family environment.
- Parents should be very supportive at all times. but they are not directly responsible for your child's recovery.
In short, it is not easy for parents watching your child suffer from an eating disorder. It is a complex mental illness that requires patience on the part of parents and perseverance on the part of children. The help of the parents is fundamental so that the young person with TAC can overcome such a mental problem.