Bringing Mental Health Education to Coaches and Athletes in Michigan
As many of you might know, I coach high school cross country and track in Michigan and I’m required to take trainings on the sports rules and how to spot concussions. These trainings are run by the MHSAA, which is also a member of the National Federation of State High School Associations. Of course, with […]
How Should Eating Disorder Recovery Stories Be Shared? Q&A with Dr. Quatromoni
If a school or organization is afraid to include the topic of eating disorders on its agenda because they believe it will cause eating disorders, or because they do not have in-house expertise to know how to approach this topic, they would be well-served to connect with an eating disorder professional to better understand how to move forward. By choosing not to address it, they are choosing to perpetuate the silence, keep the topic taboo, and keep the students uninformed. However, students will never be unexposed to eating disorder triggers. And some students are vulnerable and predisposed. A choice not to educate only heightens the risk for eating disorders in an already high-risk population without raising conscious awareness of the risk factors, identifying any solutions, or connecting students to helpers in their community.
Coaches in the Dark: What Can Athletic Staff Do in Eating Disorder Situations?
Having had an eating disorder as an athlete, I’ve been hyper-aware of the signs to look for in the athletes I coach. I knew, from my eating disorder experience, that if I suspected an athlete was struggling, it was my responsibility to refer them to a mental health professional and/or a dietitian for a proper […]
What Can Parents Do if They Notice Eating Disorder Behaviors? Q&A with Dr. Quatromoni
This is part of a Q&A series with leading expert in eating disorders and sports, Paula Quatromoni. For more Q&As click here. Q: What do you do if you notice your son or daughter is developing a highly restrictive diet? My son/daughter started running and tries to eat no carbs. They have lost a lot […]
How Can Coaches Help Underweight Athletes Gain Weight? Q&A with Dr. Quatromoni
This is part of a Q&A series with leading expert in eating disorders and sports, Paula Quatromoni. For more Q&As click here. Q: I’m a high school coach. I have a runner who needs to gain weight/body fat. This athlete is not intentionally losing weight but is very active with either running or other workouts […]
When a Coach Suggests Athletes “Drop a Few Pounds”: Q&A with Dr. Quatromoni
This is part of a Q&A series with leading expert in eating disorders and sports, Paula Quatromoni. For more Q&As click here. A coach of an adult, co-ed sports team sent out a training guide offering athletes advice on “top 5 ways to become a faster cyclist.” One of the “lessons”: Lesson B: Dropping a […]
What Coaches Can Do to Prevent Eating Disorders: Q&A with Dr. Quatromoni
This is part of a Q&A series with leading expert in eating disorders and sports, Paula Quatromoni. For more Q&As click here. Q: What can coaches do to build a healthy culture and prevent eating disorders? A: First, I’d recommend education. There is a lot that coaches can do to educate themselves and increase awareness […]
For Coaches, Approaching an Athlete with an Eating Disorder: Q&A with Dr. Paula Quatromoni
This is part of a Q&A series with leading expert in eating disorders and sports, Paula Quatromoni. For more Q&As click here. Q: How do you recommend approaching an athlete you think might have an eating disorder? A (Paula Quatromoni): Set up a private meeting with the athlete to discuss your concerns. Never, ever, ever […]
What Can Coaches Do if An Athlete is Resistant to Eating Disorder Treatment? Q&A with Dr. Paula Quatromoni
Ever since meeting Paula Quatromoni at the Eating Disorders in Sport Conference last August, we have been in constant communication. Paula has been especially helpful for me since I am not a professional in treating eating disorders. So as one of the leading experts in this field, it is a privilege and an honor to have […]