Download North Shore Youth Eating Disorders Program

North Shore Youth Eating Disorders Program
6th Floor – 132 West Esplanade
North Vancouver, B.C. V7M 1A2
Phone: 604-992-4814 Fax: 604-983-6883
Understanding Eating Disorders
What are Eating Disorders?
Risk Factors
Eating Disorders are not only about food; they are complex illnesses that
impact all areas of an individual’s life. Eating Disorders have long-term
consequences psychologically, socially, and medically. Eating disorders
impact everyone differently and can be life threatening.
Types of Eating Disorders
Anorexia Nervosa is characterized by a refusal to maintain healthy body
weight; self inflicted starvation, fear of gaining weight, and distortion of
body image.
Bulimia Nervosa is characterized by frequent episodes of uncontrolled
binge eating, followed by compensatory behaviours to prevent weight
gain such as: vomiting, laxative abuse, diet pills and excessive exercise.
Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS) includes disorders of
eating that do not meet all the criteria for any specific eating disorder.
Being female
Age
Family history
Emotional disorders
Psychiatric disorders
Family history of mental illness
Dieting
Adverse Life Events
Transitions
Sports
Work
Social/Media pressure
Dieting
Current Statistics
The average onset of anorexia is 17 years old in females
The age of onset is decreasing to as young as 11 years old
rd
Anorexia is the 3 most common chronic illness in young girls
1 in 4 teenage girls suffer from symptoms of eating disorders
52% begin dieting before the age 14
A study on 12 -18 year old girls identified 27 % had significant symptoms of eating disorders
- 23% were currently dieting
- 8.2% reported self-induced vomiting
- 15% reported binge eating
- 2.4% used diet pills
Signs & Symptoms
Particular behaviors are potential warnings signs for both
Anorexia and Bulimia. Common signs include:
Unusual eating behaviours
Not eating with others
Rapid weight loss
Thinning hair
Excessive exercise
Baggy/Loose clothes
Poor energy & concentration
Social withdrawal/Isolation
Preoccupation with body
Self harm
Anxiety
Depression
Eating Disorders in Males
A recent study on males and eating disorders found:
10-20 % of anorexia cases are males
Less likely to seek treatment due to stigma
Men are less exposed to sociocultural pressures
Dieting is linked to:
o Sports
o Past history of obesity
o Gender identity conflicts
o Media influences
o Dissatisfaction with muscle mass
How Schools Can Help
Schools can play a significant role in identifying eating disorders. Eating disorders may often go unnoticed by
families and friends for periods of time. Schools can help by connecting students to treatment and providing
support throughout treatment.
Approaching the Topic
If you suspect a student may have an Eating Disorder:
Express your concern about their overall health & well-being
Be objective and non-judgemental
Avoid implying the student has an eating disorder
Allow time for the student to take in the information
Demonstrate warmth, compassion and care
Listen
North Shore Youth Eating Disorders Program
The North Shore Youth Eating Disorders Program (NSY EDP) partners with pediatricians to offer medical
monitoring in a clinic setting along with counselling and nutritional support to youth ages 11-19 who are
struggling with disordered eating/clinical eating disorders and live in the North Shore, Bowen Island, Sunshine
Coast and Sea to Sky regions. Our services include assessment, early intervention, and treatment, and are free
of charge.
For more information, or to make a referral, please visit our website at:
http://www.vch.ca/your_health/school_health/north-shore---school-health-manual/body-image-and-eatingdisorders/body-image-and-eating-disorders
If you have any questions related to our services, please contact Amanda Marques, Coordinator and Clinical
Counsellor; CaraLynne McLean, Clinical Counsellor at 604-992-4814; or Helen Yeung, Community Dietitian at
604-418-2139.
Resources
EATING DISORDER SUPPORT GROUP FOR
PARENTS/PARTNERS AND CAREGIVERS
Family Services of the North Shore
This is a support group for parents, partners
and caregivers who deal with the challenges
and struggles of having a family member
with an eating disorder. The group meets
every 2nd and 4th Monday (except holidays).
No cost to attend. Teleconferencing available.
Please call 604-988-5281 ext. 362
for details.
Toll free: 1-888-988-5281
Website: www.familyservices.bc.ca
Tel: 604-675-2531
BC CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
Provincial Specialized Eating
Disorder Program
Referrals required from a medical source.
Tel: 604-875-2010
Email: www.bcchildrens.ca
ST. PAUL’S HOSPITAL
Eating Disorders Program for Adults
Tel: 604-806-8347
Website: www.providencehealthcare.org
WOODSTONE RESIDENCE
The Looking Glass Foundation
Provides multi-disciplinary specialized
residential care for young people (aged
17-24) suffering from Anorexia Nervosa,
Bulimia Nervosa or eating disorders not
otherwise specified.
Tel: 1-250-539-2633
Email: [email protected]
For more copies, go online at http://vch.eduhealth.ca or
email [email protected] and quote Catalogue No. BB.505.B47
© Vancouver Coastal Health, September 2013
The information in this document is intended solely for the
person to whom it was given by the health care team.
www.vch.ca
North Shore Youth
Eating Disorders Program
JESSIE’S LEGACY
Family Services of the North Shore
A program providing eating disorders
prevention education, resources and support for
BC youth, families, educators and professionals.
Tel: 604-988-5281
Website: www.jessieslegacy.com
Email: [email protected]
VANCOUVER COASTAL HEALTH
Vancouver Secondary
Eating Disorders Program
The VCH Eating Disorders Program is a
community-based outpatient program
available to help children, youth, and adults
who live in Vancouver and adults who live
on the North Shore.
(formerly the Be Real Clinic)
KELTY RESOURCES CENTRE
A provincial resource centre working to
link children, youth and their families with
appropriate resources in all areas of mental
health and addictions. In addition, the
centre also serves the resource needs of
those struggling with an eating disorder.
Tel: 604-875-2084
Toll free: 1-800-665-1822
Website: www.keltymentalhealth.ca
Email: [email protected]
A journey to freedom
from disordered eating
Before reading any further, ask yourself these questions:
~ Do you worry about your weight?
~ Do you think you are fat when others say you are too thin?
~ Do you worry that you have lost control over how much you eat?
~ Would you say that food dominates your life?
~ Do you feel guilty after eating?
If you answered “YES” to any of them,
you may want to contact The North Shore
Youth Eating Disorders Program.
The North Shore Youth Eating Disorders Program
Offers a Range of Services
Prevention, Early Identification & Training
The North Shore Youth Eating Disorders
Program participates in prevention
initiatives at local schools and in the
community to promote positive body
image, prevent disordered eating, and
encourage youth who are struggling to
seek help before their condition worsens.
Services for Youth and Families
Our program offers services to youth
between 11 and 19 years of age who live
on the North Shore, Bowen Island, Sunshine
Coast, Powell River or Sea to Sky area.
Our team includes a counsellor, a specialist
paediatrician and a dietitian who can help
support you and develop an individualized
treatment plan to meet your needs.
You may refer yourself, or a parent/guardian,
counsellor, doctor, or someone you trust
may refer you.
To make a referral or ask questions,
please phone the number below and
the counsellor will assist you. When an
appointment time is available you will
be contacted to set up your first visit.
604-992-4814
For more information on health services
for youth, please contact a Child & Youth
Public Health Nurse at 604-983-6700.
For answers to general or medical
nutrition questions, please contact
HealthLink BC @ 811 and ask to speak
to a dietitian.