Schools Mental Health Nov 2012

Eating disorders: promoting

positive body image amongst

pupils

Susan Ringwood

Chief Executive- Beat

Schools Mental Health Nov 2012

Support services including helplines, web-

based support

Sector-leader in participation and

engagement

Project work to support innovation

Literature and publications

Media work and campaigning

Schools Mental Health Nov 2012

What we do

The Beat Team

Schools Mental Health Nov 2012

Schools Mental Health Nov 2012

Eating disorders

“morbid preoccupation with weight and

shape”

Serious mental illness

Physical consequences

Highest mortality rate

Schools Mental Health Nov 2012

Signs and Symptoms: Physical

Severe weight loss/ fluctuating weight

Cold

Thinning hair

Teeth

Restless

Exercising

Food avoidance

Schools Mental Health Nov 2012

Signs and Symptoms: Behaviour

Perfectionism

Rituals

Rigidity

Extreme neatness

Anxiety

Compliant

Withdrawal/social isolation

Schools Mental Health Nov 2012

Schools Mental Health Nov 2012

Are they getting worse?

1.6 million in the UK

80% of new cases young women 12-20

Can be anyone at any age

Schools Mental Health Nov 2012

What causes it?

Genetics

Personality types

Brain chemistry

Life events

Social context

Schools Mental Health Nov 2012

Social Context

Pressure to grow up- too fast, too soon

Sexualised at 7

Physical and emotional disconnection

Advertising that plays on pseudo adultness

Schools Mental Health Nov 2012

Body Image

Body Image and Self Esteem:

The concept that our shape and size stand for

our personality, and how we are seen in the

world

Schools Mental Health Nov 2012

Under ten and under pressure

Research with Girl Guides

7-9 year olds

Body shapes and sizes

Planet happy and Planet sad

Schools Mental Health Nov 2012

Schools Mental Health Nov 2012

Risk factors

Fat teasing

Body checking

Diets

“bad” foods

Body loathing

Schools Mental Health Nov 2012

Protective Factors

Praise and encouragement

Growing bodies

Positive regard

Communication

Chips and chocolate!

Schools Mental Health Nov 2012

Educational resources

Policy:

Whole school approach

Staff training & awareness

Curriculum:

PSHE, Media, Creative

Individual:

Support, information, awareness, parents

Educational resources

Curriculum resources

Staff training

Sessions for parents

Schools Mental Health Nov 2012

Evolution

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYhCn0jf46

U&feature=related

Schools Mental Health Nov 2012

Feedback- from pupils...

‘I really enjoyed the session on body image. It made me

think about how I see myself and how others see me.

I now understand that it’s important to feel good about

yourself and that we are all different.’

‘It told me that people in magazines aren’t really that

perfect. It also helped my confidence.’

Schools Mental Health Nov 2012

And their teachers...

‘I thought it was a really useful session. Is very relevant to

many of the pupils we have here and I feel confident that I

could lead sessions for pupils on it.’

‘I feel it has not only helped in my learning of how to help

younger people but has also helped me to address feelings

And how I view myself.’

‘Thought provoking opportunity to think about my own

views and how they influence pupils.’

Schools Mental Health Nov 2012

Thank you!

Schools Mental Health Nov 2012

Schools Mental Health Nov 2012

Beat

Help-lines: 0845 634 7650

Website www.b-eat.co.uk

Professional development

Support for parents and families

Campaigning