There are many physical signs that help determine if a friend is suffering from an eating disorder. I have covered these in a previous article titled “Physical Signs of Eating Disorders.” Instead of reiterating the signs, let’s assume you are already quite sure your friend is suffering and you want to know what steps to take to help them.
If you have a friend or loved one that is struggling with a life threatening eating disorder then the information I am about to give you is imperative in trying to help them seek help before it’s too late.
“How do I help?”
If you have a loved one currently struggling with an Ed, then what do you do? What do you say? What do you not say? How do you help?
1-Talk to your friend or loved one (in private, one on one) and let them know you are genuinely concerned of their well-being. While expressing your thoughts and feelings, try to be as gentle as possible when conveying how you feel. After you have shared with them your thoughts and feelings, take a moment to step back and transition into an active listener. This will create a platform for your friend to respond to what you have just shared with them.
http://tinyurl.com/eating-disorders-treat
http://tinyurl.com/eating-disorders-treat
2- Try not to judge (or get angry and frustrated), instead be as open to your friend as possible and allow them to share with you whatever they deem appropriate. It's normal for people with an eating disorder to feel guarded and private about their eating problems. Remind your friend that you care. People with eating disorders often have trouble admitting, even to themselves that they have a problem. Trying to help someone who doesn't think he or she needs help can be hard. If your friend is willing to seek help, offer to go with him or her to see a counselor or a medical expert.
3- If your friend is still living in denial, address someone closest to them. This can be a parent, sibling, husband, or wife. This isn't easy to do because it can feel like betraying a friend but in the end you truly have their best interests in mind even if they don’t.
4- Educate yourself on eating disorders so you can gain a better understanding of what they are dealing with. Being a supportive friend also means learning how to behave around them by not focusing on what they eat, what they don’t eat, or making comments on how they look and so forth.
Let your friend know you love them unconditionally and are there for them to be a constant support. You could potentially save your friends life by simply following these steps and asking the right questions.
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