Supporting a teammate who you suspect may have an eating disorder can be a challenging and delicate situation. Eating disorders, like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder, can significantly impact an individual’s physical and emotional health. As a teammate, you might feel unsure about how to approach the situation, what to say, or how to offer support without overstepping boundaries. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the key steps you can take to support a teammate who may be struggling with an eating disorder. These steps include recognizing the signs, approaching the situation with sensitivity, offering support, and encouraging professional help. Your role as a supportive teammate can make a significant difference in their journey toward recovery.
Recognizing the Signs of an Eating Disorder
Before you can offer support, it's important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of eating disorders. While every individual is different, common indicators might include:
1. Changes in Eating Habits
Your teammate may exhibit drastic changes in their eating patterns, such as skipping meals, eating very little, or engaging in secretive eating behaviors. They might also show a high-level preoccupation with food, weight, or body image. This could look like changing the types or amounts of food they eat based on their training level, avoiding certain foods or food groups, and frequently body checking themself in the locker room mirror.
2. Physical Symptoms
Look for physical signs such as drastic weight loss or gain, dizziness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating or gastrointestinal issues. For menstruating individuals, they could mention irregularities in their menstrual cycle or losing their period altogether. A teammate could mention changes in their sex drive. These kinds of fluctuations in weight or unusual physical symptoms can be red flags.
3. Emotional and Behavioral Changes
Eating disorders often come with emotional and behavioral changes. Your teammate may become more withdrawn, anxious, or depressed. This could also present as irritability, mood swings, or a loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed.
4. Obsessive Exercise Patterns
An obsession with exercise can be a sign of an eating disorder. Your teammate might engage in excessive physical activity beyond what is typical for their training regimen, often as a way to compensate for food eaten or to control weight.
5. Preoccupation with Body Image
If your teammate frequently expresses dissatisfaction with their appearance or body image, or if they talk about feeling bigger in their body than they objectively are, it may indicate preoccupations with their body that can be a sign of an eating disorder. This preoccupation, or body dysmorphia, is often tied to other eating disorder behaviors.
Approaching the Situation with Sensitivity
Approaching a teammate about a potential eating disorder requires sensitivity, empathy, and respect. Here are some tips for navigating this (often delicate) situation:
1. Choose the Right Time and Place
Find a private and comfortable setting to talk to your teammate. Avoid addressing the issue in public or in the presence of others, as this can make them feel exposed, vulnerable and/or defensive. Choose a time when both of you can have a calm and uninterrupted conversation.
2. Be Compassionate and Non-Judgmental
Approach the conversation with compassion and avoid making judgments or accusations. Use “I” statements to express your concerns, such as “I feel like you’ve been more tired than usual, and I wanted to check in on how you’re doing.” This approach can help prevent your teammate from feeling blamed or attacked.
3. Focus on Your Feelings and Observations
Share your observations and feelings without making assumptions or diagnoses. For example, say something like, “I’ve noticed you’ve been avoiding meals, and it makes me worried about how you’re doing.” This focuses the conversation on your concerns and observations rather than making assumptions about their condition.
4. Listen Actively
Give your teammate the opportunity to share their feelings and experiences without interruption. Active listening involves showing empathy and understanding. Avoid jumping to conclusions or offering solutions immediately. Sometimes, your teammate might just need someone to listen and validate their feelings.
5. Respect Their Privacy
Understand that your teammate may not be ready to discuss their struggles openly. Respect their privacy and avoid pressuring them to share more than they’re comfortable with. Let them know you’re available to support them whenever they’re ready to talk.
Offering Support
Once you’ve approached the situation, offering ongoing support is crucial. Recovery looks different for everyone, so know that there is no one set of ways to support your teammate. If you’re looking for ideas, check out some of the following ways you could offer support:
1. Encourage Professional Help
Gently suggest that your teammate seek help from a healthcare professional, such as a doctor, registered dietitian, and/or therapist who specializes in eating disorders. You might say, “I think talking to someone who is trained to help with these things could be really beneficial. I can help you find a professional if you’d like.”
2. Provide Emotional Support
Be there for your teammate emotionally. Offer encouragement and reassurance, and remind them that they are not alone in their struggles. Show understanding and patience as they navigate their journey to recovery.
3. Promote a Positive Environment
Foster a supportive and non-judgmental environment within your team. Avoid making comments about weight, body image, and food – this includes trying to encourage your teammate to eat more. A positive and supportive atmosphere can support the whole team’s relationship with food and their bodies.
4. Be Mindful of Your Own Behavior
Be aware of how your own behavior and comments might affect your teammate. Avoid discussing diet or body image in a way that might trigger or reinforce disordered thoughts. Model positive behaviors and attitudes towards food, body and exercise.
5. Offer Practical Support
If your teammate is open to it, offer practical support, such as helping them find resources, or attending appointments with them. Practical support can be incredibly valuable and reassuring during their recovery process.
Seeking Help for Yourself
Supporting a teammate with an eating disorder can be emotionally demanding. Remember to check in with yourself, too, and seek support if needed. Here are some ways to ensure your own well-being:
1. Talk to a Trusted Person
Share your concerns and experiences with a trusted friend, family member, or counselor. If you choose to talk to your coach about your experience, remember to respect your teammate’s privacy if they are not yet ready to open up about their challenges. Talking about your feelings can help you process your emotions and gain perspective.
2. Seek Professional Support
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure about how to handle the situation, consider seeking guidance from a mental health professional. They can help you explore how to support your teammate while also addressing your own emotional needs.
3. Set Boundaries
Maybe one of the most important tips of all, recognize and respect your own limits. It’s important to support your teammate, but you also need to set boundaries to ensure you’re not overextending yourself. Balance your support with self-care and personal time to protect your mental health and wellbeing.
Conclusion
Supporting a teammate who may have an eating disorder requires sensitivity, empathy, and patience. By recognizing the signs, approaching the situation with care, and offering ongoing support, you can make a meaningful difference in their journey toward recovery. Encouraging professional help, fostering a positive team environment, and taking care of your own well-being are essential components of providing effective support.
Remember, while you can offer support and encouragement, you are not alone in this and it is not your responsibility to solve the issue.Professional help is crucial for addressing eating disorders, and creating a supportive network can enhance your teammate’s path to recovery. Your compassion and understanding can have a profound impact, and your role in their recovery journey is invaluable.
If you’re interested in learning more, or need help supporting a teammate, please do not hesitate to contact our team at info@fuelingforrecovery.com or by phone at (202) 738-4726. You can also book an appointment with one of our professionals directly by clicking this link.
References
- Thompson, R. (2014). Mind, Body and Sport: Eating disorders. National Collegiate Athletic Association [NCAA]. Retrieved from https://www.ncaa.org/sports/2021/2/16/overview.aspx
- Nickols, R. (n.d.). Eating Disorders and Athletes. National Eating Disorders Association [NEDA]. Retrieved from https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/eating-disorders-and-athletes-2/
