#70: Recognizing Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating in Children and Teens with Chelsea Buffum
“Eating disorders and anorexia [nervosa] specifically are the most deadly mental illnesses. And so, we need to really remember that because folks may be struggling but may not really look like it on the outside...they may be struggling with very significant disordered eating symptoms. And we really need to catch it early so we can help our kiddos thrive in the future.” -Chelsea Buffum
Eating disorders are among the deadliest mental health disorders in the United States. Besides claiming time, energy and vitality, they can also claim lives through medical complications, suicide and self-harm.
In this very special episode of Veggie Doctor Radio, I speak with licensed mental health counselor, Chelsea Buffum, who specializes in treating eating disorders. We discuss what they are, how to recognize them, and what to do if you suspect your child might have one.
What we discuss:
*The difference between an eating disorder and disordered eating
*The signs and symptoms of eating disorders
*Some myths about eating disorders
*The definition of orthorexia nervosa and how its different from the other eating disorders
*What might trigger an eating disorder and what we can do as parents to try to prevent them
*What treatment for an eating disorder might look like
*Tips for promoting a healthy body image
*And what Chelsea wishes more parents knew
This is a very informative and impactful episode that I hope will help many parents.
Chelsea Buffum
More about my honored guest:
Chelsea Buffum, MS, LMHC is a licensed mental health counselor who specializes in treating eating disorders. She owns an outpatient practice in Yakima, WA, and is passionate about how stigma, discrimination, and social determinants of health impact our relationship to food and our bodies. She uses a Health at Every Size ® lens when working with clients, as disconnection and dissatisfaction with our bodies is often driven by an intense - and culturally sanctioned - desire to lose weight. She believes that body shame is rarely a good and long term motivator to engage in healthy behaviors.
Chelsea graduated from Whitworth University with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and from Central Washington University with her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling. Her research has focused on attitudes and stigma toward those who are in larger bodies and/or have Binge Eating Disorder. Prior to opening her practice Chelsea worked as a clinician at CWU’s Student Medical and Counseling Clinic, and developed CWU’s first Eating Disorder Treatment Protocol. She has experience in residential treatment facilities as well as rehabilitative homes.
You can learn more at chelseabuffumtherapy.com
Mentions:
FEAST:
https://www.feast-ed.org
When Your Teen Has an Eating Disorder: Practical Strategies to Help Your Teen Recover from Anorexia, Bulimia, and Binge Eating Book by Lauren Muhlheim:
https://www.amazon.com/When-Your-Teen-Eating-Disorder/dp/1684030439
Association for Size Diversity and Health (ASDAH):
https://www.sizediversityandhealth.org/index.asp
*Find a HAES Therapist or Expert Visit:
https://www.sizediversityandhealth.org/content.asp?id=32
Or Contact Chelsea Buffum:
https://www.chelseabuffumtherapy.com
chelsea@chelseabuffumtherapy.com
NEDA (National Eating Disorders Association):
https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org
The information on this blog, website and podcast is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to replace careful evaluation and treatment. If you have concerns about your or your child’s eating, nutrition or growth, consult a doctor.
Call to Action —> If you suspect that your child has an eating disorder, reach out to a healthcare provider and get help!
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