Having an eating disorder is not a choice. An eating disorder is a coping mechanism used when someone is experiencing a loss of control over different aspects of their life. When people do not have control of aspects in their life, they will reach for anything to regain that feeling of control again. They can’t control school assignments, parental expectations, or their schedule. One thing they can control is their weight. This feel of getting control over something may be their way of coping with the other stressors. Teaching healthy coping skills will help relieve the pressure to control.
In this activity, students will create a storyboard illustrating an unhealthy and a healthy coping strategy to combat uncontrollable stressors. Ask students to brainstorm things that stress them out. Next, ask them to think about different ways they can relieve stress in a healthier manner. Listening to music, socializing, prioritizing their time, relaxing, or physical activity are answers you may hear. Having students show how an eating disorder may only temporarily relieve stress while causing several other problems is the main goal of this activity. It is important to caution students against creating disturbing scenes that may be a trigger to themselves or others.
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Student Instructions
Demonstrate your understanding of how people suffering from an eating disorder negatively adapt to stress.
Create a safe, open space where students feel comfortable discussing stress and healthy coping. Regular, supportive dialogue reduces stigma and encourages students to seek help when needed.
Demonstrate healthy coping behaviors in your daily interactions. Students learn by example, so showing your own positive habits—like taking breaks, asking for help, or practicing mindfulness—can inspire them to do the same.
Incorporate brief stress-relief activities, such as short breathing exercises or movement breaks, into your class schedule. Consistent practice helps students internalize these healthy habits and makes coping skills feel accessible.
Facilitate group discussions or partner activities focused on sharing stressors and brainstorming healthy coping strategies together. Peer-to-peer support normalizes challenges and helps students feel less isolated.
Share information about school counselors, wellness centers, or trusted online resources. Knowing where to turn for help empowers students to seek support beyond the classroom when needed.
Healthy coping strategies include listening to music, socializing, prioritizing time, relaxation, and physical activity. These help students manage stress without resorting to disordered eating, fostering emotional well-being and resilience.
Teachers can guide students to identify stressors and brainstorm healthy coping mechanisms like exercise or relaxation. Classroom activities, such as storyboards contrasting healthy and unhealthy coping, build awareness and support positive habits.
Healthy coping strategies address stress without harming well-being, like talking to friends or managing time. Unhealthy strategies, such as disordered eating, may offer temporary relief but cause long-term problems.
Students may develop eating disorders to regain a sense of control when facing stressors they can't manage, like school or family pressures. This coping mechanism is harmful and only provides short-term relief.
Effective activities include storyboards illustrating stressors, unhealthy coping (like eating disorders), and healthy alternatives. Encouraging discussion and reflection helps students recognize healthy choices.