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The pandemic has heightened anxiety, fear, and vulnerability for many, particularly among the youth. The immense psychological toll has contributed to a significant rise in eating disorders among teenagers. Restricted to smaller environments and isolated from their peers, many young people have felt a loss of control in their lives, leading to disordered eating patterns as a coping mechanism.
According to Sarah Thompson, communications director at the National Eating Disorder Association, their helpline experienced a dramatic 54.1% increase in calls from April 2020 to March 2021. “Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions influenced by psychological, biological, and sociocultural factors,” explains Dr. Lisa Hernandez, a registered dietitian and assistant professor at Greenfield University. She observes that many teens have turned to controlling their food intake and exercise as a way to regain some sense of power over their circumstances.
The abrupt changes in daily routines during spring 2020, including the cancellation of sports, part-time jobs, and other activities, left teens feeling lost and struggling to cope. This sense of instability often results in an unhealthy preoccupation with food and body image. Dr. Emily Foster, chief of pediatric health at St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital, reports an uptick in behavioral problems, including eating disorders, and notes that this trend may persist as mental health challenges continue to unfold.
Factors such as social isolation, heightened stress, and family dynamics have adversely affected adolescents. In the absence of their usual support systems from friends and school, many young people feel adrift, leading some to exert control over their eating habits. Dr. Foster emphasizes that eating disorders can affect individuals of any background, dispelling the myth that they predominantly impact young white females. The National Eating Disorder Association is working to ensure that everyone has access to the necessary support and resources.
Sixteen-year-old Mia Carter shared her experience with NBC News, revealing that her eating disorder developed during lockdown as she sought to control her environment through restrictive eating. This led to serious health issues requiring inpatient treatment and a diagnosis of anorexia. “Every day is a choice to be healthy, and that makes it really tough,” she remarked. She continues to work with medical professionals and therapists for her recovery.
The pandemic has highlighted the need for increased awareness and resources for mental health among teens. Community support is crucial in helping young people navigate these challenges. The Polaris Teen Center reports that 4% of adolescents aged 13 to 18 suffer from some form of disordered eating. Furthermore, 50% of teens with anorexia are at risk of developing bulimia or binge-eating disorders, and up to 50% of those with eating disorders also face depression.
As society begins to reopen, Dr. Foster is hopeful yet cautious about the potential long-term effects of the pandemic on mental health. It remains uncertain whether these issues will diminish or if they will continue to surface as young people adapt to their new normal. For further insights into this topic, you can read more about mental health challenges in teens during the pandemic in this related article.
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In summary, the pandemic has significantly impacted mental health among teenagers, contributing to a rise in eating disorders as a response to loss of control and social isolation. Ongoing support and resources are essential for addressing these challenges in the youth population.
Keyphrase: Teen eating disorders pandemic
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