Eating disorders, particularly less severe cases, can be virtually undetectable. In British Columbia schools, many hundreds of students with diagnosed eating disorders participate in normal routines without their teachers or classmates realizing there is reason for concern. Even in more severe cases, many teachers never suspect these students have a problem at all. When terms like anorexic or bulimic are used to describe them, some teachers, along with friends and family members, harbour doubts. It can be difficult to understand how someone who appears so competent could be suffering from such a debilitating emotional disorder.
Many people lack a context for understanding eating disorders.
Eating disorders are complicated and serious. Only a fully trained therapist should attempt to counsel someone suffering from these disorders. Teachers, however, can play an important role in the healing process. Teachers are in a position to spot the warning signs of eating disorders. As caring and informed adults, who see the students on a daily basis, teachers may also play a preventive role by leading classroom exercises that explore issues such as nutrition, body image and self-esteem.