Self-Harm and Eating Disorders in Schools: A Guide to Whole-School Strategies and Practical Support

Self-harm and eating disorders are present in almost every school and they frequently co-occur. It is vital that school staff can spot early warning signs, understand triggers, and know how to support the students in their care effectively.

This is a very practical guide that helps school staff to gain a better understanding of self-harm and eating disorders, dispelling the myths and misconceptions that surround these behaviours, and explaining how to respond to disclosures, make referrals, and work alongside parents to assist in the road to recovery.

The book provides advice on whole-school policies and procedures as well as day-to-day strategies to implement in lessons, at mealtimes and in one-on-one sessions. It explains how to respond to disclosures, make referrals and work alongside parents to assist in the road to recovery.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements.

Foreword.

Preface.

1. Introduction to Eating Disorders and Self-Harm.
2. Overcoming Stigma and Exploring Common Misconceptions.
3. Teaching Students about Self-Harm and Eating Disorders.
4. Why Students Develop Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms.
5. Factors That Put Students at Risk of Eating Disorders and Self-Harm.
6. Early Symptoms of Eating Disorders and Self-Harm.
7. Talking to students causing concern.
8. Responding to Disclosures and Self-Harm Incidents.
9. Working with parents.
10. When and How to Refer a Student for Specialized Support.
11. Supporting Students Who Require Inpatient Care.
12. Day to Day Strategies for Supporting Recovery at School.
13. The Impact of the Internet.
14. Providing One to One Support.
15. Motivational Interviewing as a Tool for Behavior Change.
16. The Road to Recovery.

References.

"This book is a wonderful resource for schools and colleges and will help committed staff to produce an environment in which eating disorders are either prevented or are detected as early as possible. This means that the individual, her/his peers and the family are supported in a timely and effective manner which can prevent the illness taking a hold. The book is authoritative and multifaceted with lived experience, academic expertise and in-depth experience of collaborative work with teachers, tutors and key school staff. An essential handbook for all schools to improve mental health by creating a sound curriculum and a healthy environment."
- Professor Janet Treasure, OBE, PhD FRCP FRCPsych, Professor of Psychiatry, King's College London

"Drawing on the voices of young people, this is a truly excellent book for teachers and anyone working in schools. It offers clear, practical advice that can easily and safely be used. It will give you the confidence to support a young person facing these issues without being an expert. I highly recommend it."
- Clare Stafford, Chief Executive, Charlie Waller Memorial Trust

"Eating disorders are serious illnesses that are of great public health concern, given their high prevalence and adverse health consequences. Schools are excellent settings for prevention, early identification, referral for treatment, and support during and following treatment. In this book, Dr Pooky Knightsmith provides a wealth of information for school staff concerned about eating disorders and other forms of self-harm. This comprehensive book will be an important reference to have and to use within school settings. It is crucial to utilize schools in order to decrease the public health burden of eating disorders."
- Dianne Neumark-Sztainer, PhD, Professor at the School of Public Health, University of Minnesota and author of "I’m, Like, So Fat!": Helping Your Teen Make Healthy Choices about Eating and Exercise in a Weight-Obsessed World

"This is an incredibly important book, especially given the worrying rise in the number of these disorders over recent years. It is a book that should be read by all those who work in schools. Pooky Knightsmith gives her readers an insight into all aspects of self-harm and eating disorders, from understanding what these disorders are, right through to supporting students and their families in overcoming them. This is a thoroughly practical and useful book that will support, advise and enlighten you and your staff. The book is given even deeper impact through the use of case studies and the real voices of young people. This book is a 'must read' for all those who work in education."
- Sue Cowley, author, presenter and teacher trainer

"Pooky Knightsmith's excellent book illuminates the territory school staff have long feared to tread. From spotting the signs of self-harm and eating disorders to supporting sufferers, from referring them to (and working with) appropriate agencies to reintegrating them into school: all that desperately needed practical common sense and potentially life-saving advice is there. An essential handbook for schools and education professionals."
- Bernard Trafford, Headmaster, Royal Grammar School, Newcastle upon Tyne