Tips for Going Back to School While Recovering From an Eating Disorder
Eating disorders are serious but treatable mental illnesses that are irrespective of age, gender, race, ethnicity, and sociocultural background. While the onset of most eating disorders occurs during the period of adolescence or early adulthood, eating disorders have been reported in children as young as 7 years old. For students in recovery for an eating disorder, the transition back to school may pose a risk without appropriate support, planning, and resources.
by: Amanda Nussbaum
The beginning of a new school year brings up many emotions ranging from excitement, to anxiety, to fear. A new school year involves meeting new people, adjusting to a different schedule with multiple teachers, having more autonomy, joining clubs, and finding activities to participate in. However, for students who are recovering from an eating disorder, the new school year may also create new challenges, stress, and ambivalence with recovery.
According to the Center for Change, some of the signs that a student may be struggling with an eating disorder include poor performance on coursework, having a hard time concentrating, or withdrawing from social activities. It may take a while for students to become comfortable and open with their teachers, and similarly for teachers to become acquainted with their students. Because of COVID-19, many students are continuing school virtually, while others are attending school in-person. It is important for students in eating disorder recovery to have the support of their family, treatment team, teachers, and school counselors to make the school year successful. One way to prepare for the new year is by preparing for potential obstacles, triggers, and challenges ahead of time to make the transition as smooth as possible.
Before going back to school, students should plan and schedule their day. This may be as detailed as outlining when to wake up each morning and knowing what they will have for each meal. Lunches and snacks should be prepared in advance, so students will know beforehand what they will be eating. Before arriving at school, students and their parents should find out how long the student’s lunch will last and practice their new schedule with school meals before returning. This will help the student acclimate to school meals and become used to eating a meal within a specific time frame. It may also be useful to write down when and how students will incorporate meals and snacks into their schedule, especially if they change classes throughout the day or are involved in activities. This also could apply to students doing school virtually, as it is important to have structure. The amount of time students have to eat may be different from what they are used to, even if they are attending classes online.
A new school year may mean students are attending a different school and meeting new people. Regarding meals, students may have the option to eat alone or with others in the cafeteria, outside, or off-campus. Eating alone or with others may cause individuals with eating disorders to feel stressed or become anxious. Students should try to identify potential triggers and address them ahead of time in order to facilitate a comfortable eating experience. For example, the location of where they eat, the noise level, or the social aspect of eating can be challenging for someone in recovery. Students may become worried about eating in a large room where people are eating different foods. Some students may prefer to make arrangements to eat in a more quiet space. It is helpful if students feel comfortable with certain people or friends to have lunch with. Schools may also arrange for students to have lunch with a teacher or counselor for extra support and supervision. It can be helpful for those taking classes online to eat meals with a parent or sibling, or even over video chat with a friend.
A student’s treatment team can also help create a 504 plan, which provides accommodations and additional support for students. This plan may allow a student to eat in class, not participate in gym class, or leave class to see a school counselor. Such plans can be modified throughout the year, but it is important to understand the school’s rules and protocols early on so accommodations can be made for in-person or remote instruction and make the transition back to the classroom less nerve-racking.
School can be a very stressful and challenging time for young people, particularly as students become involved with new academic situations, social settings, experiences, and the pressure that many children, adolescents, and young adults go through when facing something new. It is also important to bear in mind that people in recovery return to school at different paces. Thus, it may be helpful for some students to attend school only in the morning, so they can attend therapy sessions or a treatment program in the afternoon. College students might consider slowly transitioning back to school by taking fewer credits. All students, however, should incorporate practicing self-care into their schedule and make time for things they enjoy. This can range from journaling, meditating, reading, being with friends or family, listening to music, or doing some sort of craft.
Returning to school while recovering from an eating disorder can be intimidating, but having support, encouragement, and any necessary accommodations in place, students can strive to excel in class and maintain social relationships without feeling overwhelmed from their eating disorder.
BALANCE eating disorder treatment center™ is dedicated to treating the spectrum of eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, compulsive overeating, and other disordered eating behaviors and body image issues. We offer customized treatment to each individual client, as we understand that every client is unique and responds to treatment differently. Let us work with your schedule! Click the button below to learn more about our programs & services.
This post was written by BALANCE Blog Intern, Amanda Nussbaum.
Amanda is a recent graduate of Ramapo College, where she majored in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. She enjoys being creative, writing, and editing videos, and is passionate about health, wellness, and lifestyle. Throughout college, Amanda volunteered with the Girls on the Run organization, which helps young girls develop a positive self-esteem. She also mentored a young girl through Ramapo College’s chapter of Big Brother, Big Sister. Amanda’s involvement in these organizations helped her realize that she wants to work for a company that has an impact on others, while still being creative with marketing. In the future, Amanda hopes to work in the marketing or communications department of an organization that focuses on teenagers and young adults, and their health and self-confidence. She enjoys contributing to the BALANCE blog!