Positive Reflections

For family, friends, medical providers, school counselors or anyone else concerned for someone with these problems.

Warning Signs of Self-Injury Behavior

1. Unexplained frequent injury including cuts, scratches, burns and bruises.
   
2. Wearing unseasonal clothing for the purpose of covering up the injury.
   
3. Average to high intelligence, yet low self esteem.
   
4. Difficulty handling emotions.
   
5. Excuses for the injuries.
   
6. Depression, loneliness, high stress level, anxiety
   

Warning Signs of Eating Disorders

Anorexia:

• Below average weight.
  
• Skipping meals.
  
• Eating small portions cut up into small pieces.
  
• Pushing food around on the plate but not eating.
  
• Complaints of dizziness, weakness, fatigue, or irregular heartbeat.
  
• Signs of dehydration such as dry skin, dry mouth, dizziness.
  
• Baggy clothing and constantly feeling cold/shivering.
  
• Strict exercise regimen.
  
• Sometimes the belief of being overweight when it is untrue.
  
• Low self esteem, depression, and difficulty handling emotions.
  

For Bulimia:

• At or below an average weight.
  
• Eating normal to large quantities of food.
  
• Going to the bathroom after eating for the purpose of purging.
  
• Taking laxatives, diuretics, or diet pills.
  
• Bruised knuckles from the teeth when purging.
  
• Thinning hair and dental problems.
  
• Intestinal problems.
  

For Compulsive Overeating:

• Being considerably above the average weight.
  
• Eating consistently throughout the day.
  
• Eating large amounts of food.
  
• Avoiding eating in public and instead eats secretly.
  
• Going on diet after diet without success.
  
• Low self-esteem, loneliness, depression.
  
• High blood pressure, diabetes.
  
• Joint pain.
  

These are only basic signs to watch for. Remember, these disorders can affect boys, girls, men and women of all ages and of all backgrounds. Many times, suicidal thoughts accompany these disorders. If you know someone who seems to fit some of these warning signs, please refer them to Positive Reflections.