Minds Matter
From your College Psychologists
According to the Mission Australia’s National Youth Survey, young Australian’s rate stress, mental health, and body image as their top three concerns (Mission Australia, 2020). Over the last 8 years, young people have consistently rated body image as one of their top four concerns (Butterfly Foundation, 2021), and their concern about body image increased from 2019 – 2020 (Mission Australia, 2020).
Body image concerns typically start at a young age and can endure throughout life. Whilst negative body image is one potential contributor to disordered eating, genetics and other environmental influences also play a role. Eating disorders cause significant psychological distress and impairment but also have major medical complications (Australian Psychological Society, 2020). Eating disorders include Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder and Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. Anorexia has the highest mortality rate of any mental illness and increases their risk of suicide significantly (Butterfly Foundation, 2020).
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, data from the National Mental Health Commission has indicated a significant increase in the number of individuals seeking treatment for eating disorders (25% to 50%). These figures include noticeable increases in new diagnoses, as well as relapses. There are also large waiting periods for intervention. Some individuals with eating disorders may show several symptoms, while others may make efforts to conceal their struggles. Warning signs can include physical, psychological, and behavioural. If you have concerns that your young persons’ weight, eating behaviours, or comments about body image have changed, it’s essential to familiarise yourself with the warning signs of eating disorders.
This can also be timely for early intervention before an eating disorder begins. Warning signs can be found on the National Eating Disorders Collaboration website. For these types of concerns, your GP is an excellent first port of call, as they are able to assess your young person’s health and wellbeing and can write a referral to a specialist if needed. School psychologists can liaise with GPs and other treating specialists if this is a concern for your young person.
References
National Eating Disorders Collaboration
