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This
Month's Featured Article
from CampusBlues.com
How
to Help a Friend With Eating and Body Image Issues
If
you are reading this, then chances are, you are concerned about the
eating habits, weight, or body image of someone you care about. We
understand that this can be a very difficult and scary time for you.
Let us assure you that you are doing a great thing by looking for more
information!! This list may not tell you everything you need to know
about what to do in your specific situation, but it will give you some
helpful general ideas on what to do to help your friend.
- Learn
as much as you can about eating disorders. Read books, articles,
and brochures.
- Know
the differences between facts and myths about weight, nutrition,
and exercise. Knowing the facts will help you reason against any
inaccurate ideas that your friend may be using as excuses to
maintain her disordered eating patterns.
- Be
honest. Talk openly and honestly about your concerns with the
person who is struggling with eating or body image problems.
Avoiding it or ignoring it won't help!
- Be
caring, but be firm. Caring about your friend does not mean being
manipulated by her. Your friend must be responsible for her
actions and their consequences. Avoid making "rules,"
promises, or expectations that you cannot or will not uphold (For
example, "I promise not to tell anyone." or, "If
you do this one more time I'll never talk to you again.").
- Tell
someone. It may seem difficult to know when, if at all, to tell
someone else about your concerns. Addressing body image or eating
problems in their beginning stages probably offers your friend the
best chance for working through these issues and becoming healthy
again. Don't wait until the situation is so severe that your
friend's life is in danger. If you have already spoken with your
friend and still feel like more steps need to be taken to address
these issues, consider telling her parents, a teacher, a doctor, a
counselor, a nutritionist, or any trusted adult. She needs as much
support and understanding as possible from the people in her life.
Remember:
You cannot force someone to seek help, change their habits, or adjust
their attitudes. You will make important progress in honestly sharing
your concerns, providing support, and knowing where to go for more
information! People struggling with anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating
disorder do need professional help. There is help available, and there
is hope!
For more information, contact Eating Disorders Awareness and
Prevention, Inc. at 603 Stewart St., Suite 803, Seattle, WA 98101,
1-800-931-2237. www.edap.org © 2000 EDAP. This handout may be
reproduced for educational purposes only.
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