Supporting Recovery

What you need to know to be supportive

Knowing how to be supportive of someone close to you who has or may have bulimia nervosa is hard. You don’t want to say or do anything that is off-putting, disrespectful, or makes wrong assumptions. The information here is intended to help you understand the disorder, available treatment options, how well they work, how to find quality treatment providers, how to navigate the health insurance maze, and ways to be supportive.

Students often spend more waking time in school and sports activities than they do their families. Behaviors at school or in sports activities can differ from behaviors family members see at home. Educators, including teachers and guidance counselors, as well as sports coaches, may be the first to witness behaviors suggestive of bulimia nervosa. The information here is intended to help educators and coaches learn about the disorder and the resources that are available to help educate and support students affected by bulimia nervosa.

General information
about bulimia nervosa

Common myths about eating disorders

BMI and growth charts for children ages 2 to 20 years

Should friends and family be involved in treatment

Confidentiality issues
and
treatment

Guidelines and position statements related to eating disorders

Coverage policies related to bulimia nervosa and eating disorders

Options for when insurance benefits and appeals are exhausted

Mental health parity laws and their impact on insurance benefits

Landmark
lawsuits

Impact of eating disorders on cognitive abilities and functioning in school

Physiologic impacts of bulimia nervosa on athletic performance

Eating disorder signs and symptoms specific to school settings

School strategies for assisting students with eating disorders

Free curricula for grades K–12 on eating disorders and health body image

Information for
coaches
and trainers