February is Eating Disorder Awareness Month

Eating Disorders are serious emotional and physical problems that can be very life threatening. They involve extreme emotions, attitudes and behaviors which surround weight and food. One common misconception about eating disorders is that they only affect girls, but on the contrary, guys can also suffer from eating disorders.

Eating disorders can arise from a variety of potential problems and have no simple or easy cure. People with eating disorders may compensate their feelings or emotions that may be overwhelming by dieting, binging, or purging. Eating disorders give some people a sense of power and control in their life.

While at first it may seem as a way to cope with a persons emotions, this disorder damages a persons emotional and physical health. There is no easy or simple cure for this disorder, and all eating disorders require professional help. Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Compulsive Overeating/ Binge Eating are all forms of eating disorders.

Anorexia Nervosa: characterized by self-starvation and excessive weight loss.
Symptoms include:

• Refusal to maintain body weight at or above a minimally normal weight for height, body type, age, and activity level
  
• Intense fear of weight gain or being "fat"
• Feeling "fat" or overweight despite dramatic weight loss
• Loss of menstrual periods
• Extreme concern with body weight and shape

Bulimia Nervosa: characterized by a secretive cycle of binge eating followed by purging.
Symptoms include:

• Repeated episodes of binging and purging
• Feeling out of control during a binge and eating beyond the point of comfort
• Purging after a binge, typically by self-induced vomiting, abuse of laxatives, diet pills and/or diuretics,excessive exercise, or fasting
• Frequent dieting
• Extreme concern with body weight and shape

Compulsive Overeating/ Binge Eating Disorder: characterized primarily by periods of uncontrolled, impulsive, or continuous eating beyond the point of feeling comfortably full. Symptoms include:

• Sporadic fasts or repetitive diets
• Feelings of shame or self-hatred after a binge
• Struggles with anxiety, depression, and loneliness
• Body weight may vary from normal to mild, moderate, or severe obesity.
  
  If you or someone you know is suffering from an eating disorder, or you want more information on eating disorders, check out these other resources.
  

Local Resources:
Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders- 286-3718 or (847) 831-3438 and on the web at http://www.anad.org- Provides referrals, information, education, and research updates to those interested

York County Eating Disorder Program- 282-1516

Mercy Hospital Eating Disorders Program- http://www.mercyhospital.com/content/EatingDisorders.htm

National Resources:

American Anorexia/Bulimia Association, Inc.- (212) 575-6200
603 West 46th St., #1108, New York, NY 10036

Family Issues

Family problems are hard to deal with. Whether it be divorce, abuse, arguments, or loss of a pet it is still an issue nonetheless.

Divorce
When a child endures a divorce, it is one of the hardest things to hear and believe. All of your life you may have thought that divorce could not happen in your family, but then it does. You may have so many questions and don't understand why this is happening, but in time you will adjust. I did.

Three summers ago, my mom and dad announced their separation. It didn't hit me until a few weeks later when we were moving into our new apartment, without dad. It was the hardest thing I hope to ever go through. Over time, I began to accept that this is the way it was going to be. Things got better and I began to see that it's okay the way things are now. During all the drama, I always talked to my mom about how I was feeling. It is so important to have someone to talk to during these rough times. Remember to seek out people who are there to help.

A Natural Helper can be a listening ear during difficult times. In addition, here are some resources that may be helpful.

Kids First Center
The Kids First Center’s mission is to minimize the emotional and sometimes physical trauma children experience during the separation and divorce of their parents. By clicking on the link, you will have access to resources and can watch a video created by Maine kids about divorce.

http://www.kidsfirstcenter.org/video.html


National Family Resiliency Center, Inc.
A national information site for families going through separation and divorce.
www.divorceabc.com

Counseling Services Inc
http://www.counselingservices.org/



Abuse
Child Abuse is the misuse of one's power over a child or a teen. Young children are not the only victims of abuse and neglect. Every day, thousands of teens are victims, too. Many victims of physical and sexual abuse do not report the crime because of shame, guilt, fear, or the secrecy involved. If you know someone who has been abused, it is NOT their fault.

• Victims are often tricked by people who offer them love and affection or other rewards. Some are even threatened.
• Often abuse goes on for years.
• Rarely is it a one time situation.
• Emotional pain continues long after the abuse occurs. There is nothing the victim did to encourage or deserve the abuse

When anyone goes through abuse of any kind, that is a signal that you need to get help ASAP. People weren't put on this earth to be at the mercy of others. No person has the right to lay thier hand on you. If you or someone you know is being abused, please let someone know- a teacher, a counselor, a friends parents, any adult who you can trust.

Department of Health and Human Services

To Report Child Abuse or Neglect
Call 1-800-452-1999
Deaf/Hard of Hearing
TTY: 1-800-963-9490
Staffed 24-hours a day,7-days a week.

What happens after abuse is reported?
http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ocfs/cw/options.htm

Natural Helpers attend Fall Retreat at Camp Mechuana

Natural Helpers attend Fall Retreat at Camp Mechuana on November 12 &13


Becca, Luke, Sarah, Logan, Emily,Hannah, Stephanie, Haley and Stephanie at the Natural Helpers Retreat on November 12 and 13

Hey everyone! We are the Natural Helpers that are ready to naturally help you peeps out there at Marshwood High School. We are trained kids ready to listen! This site was mainly designed to talk about the issues that impact Marshwood students, in our own words. We will be sharing information according to what research we have done about the certain topic and personal experiences we may have had. Therefore, making sure the information, and help you are getting, is reliable and true. We are not here to judge, we are here to make sure that you have someone in high school to share your struggles, your concerns, and any questions that you may have in total confidentiality. Check it!