Coping Skills and Disordered Eating

Vocabulary

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Coping Strategies

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Warning Signs

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Self Reflection Activity

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Media Strategies

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Infographic

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Essential Questions for Disordered Eating

1. What is an eating disorder?
2. What are the warning signs of an eating disorder?
3. How does the media negatively affect our body image?
4. What are some ways we can support people around us who may have an eating disorder?

Teacher Background for Disordered Eating

Suffering from an eating disorder like bulimia, anorexia, or binge eating, can be a life or death situation. Emotional lows, struggles, and dangerous behaviors are often hidden from the people closest to those around those who are struggling. Being able to point out small cries for help can make an immeasurable difference to the individual in need. One of the ways to help students recognize red flags is to create visual scenarios with Storyboard That. The images bring a bit of lightness to a very heavy discussion. This will allow the students to be more comfortable tackling sensitive content and gives them a place to explore different coping mechanisms before putting them into practice.

It’s important to understand that disordered eating is not a choice people make. It is a safety blanket or coping mechanism for individuals who are viewing themselves in a disordered way or experiencing anxiety and need something to control. Anyone being affected by disordered eating is not alone. There are resources for students, staff, and parents. NEDA, National Eating Disorder Association, provides contact people, information, and resources. Calling a hotline (800-931-2237), texting (NEDA to 741741), or going on a chat on their website are just some ways to get help from NEDA.

Additional Activity Ideas for Eating Disorders

1. Not Typical - Create a storyboard of different people experiencing different emotions about their bodies. Break the stereotype that only women suffer from body image issues.
2. Body Affirmations - Create positive body appreciation scenarios and responses.
3. Practice reaching out for help by creating storyboard scenarios.