I’m sorry to say it, but it’s not AWARENESS that lacking, it’s DENIAL that we live in. It’s unfortunate but yes the AWARENESS is out there, yes especially in our frum community – all we need to do is ACCEPT the reality and continue to cover this up and blame whatever it is that is around us!
It’s quiet unfortunate what has happened to this girl in high school which her teacher just brushed it off! We have to stop brushing off things, these things may seem to some as a small minor issue that a person can grow out of, but no we start accepting that things need to be checked out and not be taken lightly. They can be traeated when it’s early enough but if left without being treated it can become a huge problem. What this girl did was 100% right, giving it over to who she thought would be proper help only for the benifit of her friend that is so badly suffering. A true friend will encourage her friend to get it checked out, once properly diagnosed will push her to get into therapy and treatment while it’s early. And once shes in therapy, a good friend will encourage her friend to continue her treatment by giving her chizuk, these little words of encouragement can make a world of a difference to someone finishing an intense day of sessions!
As for the comment before there are very few frum therapist/facilities in our community, maybe there is not enough but there are definitely quiet a number out there. There are actually at least two leading Rabbanim that are trained specifically to treat eating disorders. There are some very frum therapists out there who specialize in all sort of things. If one is looking to get help the resources and help is available but one really needs to know and want to help themselves.