"School and Eating Disorders," a program to prevent eating disorders in the classroom
Schools are key places to provide information and prevention about eating disorders. This is the goal of the "School and Eating Disorders" program, promoted by the Sant Joan de Déu Health Park , which, through first-person accounts, talks by professionals, and awareness-raising activities, aims to promote prevention and break down the stigma associated with this mental health disorder.
Around 85% of people with eating disorders who receive specialized treatment make a full recovery, and although 20 to 30% of cases can become chronic, early detection increases the likelihood of successful recovery. That's why it's so important for young people to receive this information and know what to do and how to act in the event of an eating disorder.
Much more than a problem with food
The idea for the "School and Eating Disorders" program arose primarily from three different sources. Firstly, from the schools themselves , where an increasing number of students are choosing eating disorders as the topic of their end-of-year projects. Some of these students approached our school to request information, and the teachers then recognized the need to provide information about these disorders, how to identify them, and how to help students who may have them.
The patients currently hospitalized, many of them young men and women, also expressed the need for prevention talks in schools. Their experience led them to affirm that "many times you don't realize you have a serious problem and need help until you're already experiencing the disorder." Finally, the professionals from the Subacute Unit at Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu also played a role in the development of this program. The educational and nursing team has observed an increase in eating disorder cases in recent years, especially among adolescents, and considered it a priority to take action in schools to inform and prevent these issues.
It is very important that young people receive information and know what to do and how to act in a case of eating disorder.
Participatory sessions on eating disorders
"School and Eating Disorders" brings the reality of eating disorders closer to secondary and high school students in Barcelona and the Baix Llobregat region through a highly participatory approach, featuring first-hand accounts and presentations by professionals in the field. To begin, a survey is conducted among the students to assess their level of knowledge about the severity of eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia, and the associated risk factors.
The sessions are also a therapeutic resource for boys and girls admitted with eating disorders, since speaking in public reinforces important aspects for recovery.
The sessions involve two or three hospitalized young people in the discharge phase who, along with nurses and a recovered individual who shares their experience, answer questions and address concerns that arise during the classroom discussion. The participation of these young people with eating disorders admitted to the Subacute Unit It is also a therapeutic resource for them , since the act of exposing themselves and speaking in public promotes important aspects such as awareness of the disease, improving self-concept and empowering themselves towards recovery.
The testimony of the singer-songwriter Miriam Faylinn
One of the most special collaborations in this program's sessions is that of Miriam Faylinn, a 22-year-old singer-songwriter who, through her songs, recounts her experience with anorexia, which endangered her life, and her recovery process. With an intimate and moving live concert, she creates a special atmosphere in the classroom and connects directly with the students. "Thanks to music, the message reaches young people in a different, much more dynamic way, and this helps prevent behaviors or attitudes that can lead to an eating disorder," explains this courageous young woman, who so generously shares her feelings.
Featuring
