How to Talk to Someone with an Eating Disorder

An eating disorder is a collective term used to describe several conditions that involve either compulsive eating or starvation. Both overeating and not eating enough can have dangerous consequences, including: hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and malnutrition. Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are the most common types of eating disorders, mainly affecting young Caucasian females. Eating disorders are very dangerous and in some cases can have fatal consequences. Here are some useful tips for confronting someone that you suspect suffers from an eating disorder:

Instructions

How to Talk to Someone With an Eating Disorder

• 1

  Researching information about various eating disorders. Familiarize yourself with the symptoms and ask yourself if your friend exhibits any of the signs. If the answer is yes, he or she may suffer from an eating disorder and be in need of help. It is also wise to research how and where to get help and treatment.

• 2

  Speak to your friend in private. They will be more likely to open up to you in an intimate setting. Do not use an accusatory approach. Speak in a calm and caring tone. This will make them more comfortable and less likely to become defensive.

• 3

  Express your concern for his or her health. Explain why you suspect that he or she has an eating disorder. Try not to use words that describe the person’s physical appearance. People who suffer from eating disorders have distorted images of their bodies. They may consider being told that they are “thin” or “sickly” a positive thing when in fact it is not.

• 4

  Hear what your friend has to say. It is possible that you were mistaken and there is a logical explanation for your friend’s actions and behavior. Give him or her a chance to tell you their side. Do not be judgmental or critical or your friend will not feel at ease talking with you.

• 5

  Suggest that he or she seeks help. Do not be surprised if the person becomes erratic and defensive. Denial is common and it is likely that your friend will not think that there is a problem and refuse help. Restate your concern for his or her welfare. Offer to go with them to a clinic or treatment center. Make sure that they know that you are there for them and available to help them.

• 6

  Prepare yourself to seek help for your friend. You may feel conflicted and worry that the person will hate you, but remind yourself that you are doing it for his or her own good. Talk to a teacher, guidance counselor or anyone that you feel will be able to help. Hopefully you will be able to get your friend the treatment that he or she needs.

• 7

  If after a few days your friend still does not want help, you may have to get help for them. You may feel conflicted and worry that the person will hate you, but remind yourself that you are doing it for his or her own good. Talk to a teacher, guidance counselor or anyone that you feel will be able to help. Hopefully you will be able to get your friend the treatment that he or she needs.