Breaking the Silence Supporting International Students With Eating - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Breaking the Silence

Supporting International Students With Eating Disorders leethomas.ca

WELCOME!

Who I am Placing me My ‘expertise’ My real expertise

What we’re going to talk about today

What are eating disorders Types of eating disorders Signs and symptoms Having difficult conversations The specific international student context

“Ground rules”

Questions are encouraged! Feedback — always looking to learn new things and improve! Triggers - not expected, but take care of yourself Relax, learn, have fun!

Introductions: Who are YOU?

Let’s get started!

Where do we learn about eating habits, body image, etc?

Where do we learn about eating habits, body image, etc?

Family Culture Media Personal experiences

Eating disorders vs. Disordered eating

Where is the line between ED and disordered eating?

A lot of it is in the “why” How do we learn the “why”?

(Some) Types of Eating Disorders

Anorexia Bulimia Binge Eating Disorder EDNOS/OSFED Others: Pica, Orthorexia, night eating syndrome, compulsive exercising, etc.

Emotional/behavioural signs & symptoms

Preoccupation with weight, food, calories, macronutrients, etc. Refusal to eat certain foods, progressing to restrictions against whole categories of food (e.g., no carbohydrates, etc.) Appears uncomfortable eating around others Food rituals (e.g. eats only a particular food or food group, excessive chewing, doesn’t allow foods to touch)

Emotional/behavioural signs & symptoms

Skipping meals or taking small portions of food at regular meals Any new practices with food or fad diets, including cutting out entire food groups (no sugar, no carbs, no dairy, vegetarianism/veganism) Withdrawal from usual friends and activities Extreme concern with body size and shape Frequent checking in the mirror for perceived flaws in appearance Extreme mood swings

Physical Signs & Symptoms of EDs

Noticeable fluctuations in weight, both up and down Stomach cramps, other non-specific gastrointestinal complaints (constipation, acid reflux, etc.) Menstrual irregularities Difficulties concentrating Abnormal laboratory findings (anemia, low thyroid and hormone levels, low potassium, low white and red blood cell counts) Dizziness or fainting Feeling cold all the time

Physical Signs & Symptoms of EDs

Sleep problems Cuts and calluses across the top of finger joints (a result of inducing vomiting) Dental problems, such as enamel erosion, cavities, and tooth sensitivity Dry skin and hair, and brittle nails Fine hair on body (lanugo) Muscle weakness Cold, mottled hands and feet or swelling of feet Poor wound healing/ impaired immune functioning

Common misconceptions abut eating disorders

You can tell if someone has an eating disorder by looking at them Eating disorders are just a phase that teenagers will grow out of Eating disorders are not serious, they are just a lifestyle choice

Common misconceptions about eating disorders

Families are to blame for eating disorders Dieting is a normal and necessary part of life Eating disorders are a recent problem caused by images in the media

Common misconceptions abut eating disorders

Eating disorders are only about food Only women can get eating disorders If my loved one had an eating disorder, they would tell me

Common misconceptions abut eating disorders

Eating disorders are only life-threatening if you are very thin Recovery from eating disorders is rare/impossible Eating disorders are all about vanity/body image

Diet Culture and Disordered Eating

Differences in diet culture across Over time Social Economic Cultural Professional (eg athletes) Personal “Healthy lifestyles” that are diet culture in disguise

What you can do if you are worried about a student (or friend or loved one)

Engage the person in a serious conversation at an appropriate time Ask directly about ED/disordered eating thoughts or behaviours Take them seriously & listen non-judgementally Give reassurance, information, and encouragement Manage your own emotions & expectations & educate yourself

What ‘causes’ Eating Disorders?

Well…. Coping mechanism Biology Social context Basically a whole whack of stuff.

Other things to think about

Eating disorders are sometimes concurrent/comorbid with anxiety disorders, depression/mood disorders, OCD, PTSD, etc. While the media/society might not “cause” eating disorders, it is possible that they do contribute to disordered eating attitudes (eg promoting cleanses, diets, “get your pre-baby body back!”, etc.) If you don’t have these conversations, it’s possible nobody will

The specific international student context

International students exist in a unique context: Stigma “box” Culture changes Body changes Food and lifestyle changes Economic Social Leaving home family …..STRESS!

Just some random practical tips if I haven’t mentioned them yet

Cite the behaviour, not the diagnosis (know your role) Empathetic listening ASK - TELL - ASK Normalize, Validate, Give Hope Setting realistic expectations of yourself and the student

THANK YOU!

Lee Thomas leethomas.ca facebook.com/leethomasspeaks 780 706 9536