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How To Help Someone You Suspect Has An Eating Disorder
- Don't try to solve the person's problem on your own
- Learn everything you can about eating disorders
- Point out signs/symptoms you've noticed that have caused you to be concerned
- Encourage person to get professional help as soon as possible and inform them of resources available on and off campus
- (contact the Counseling Center for more information)
- Tell the person you want to help and let the person know you care
- Pick the right time and place to discuss concerns with the person (free of distractions)
- Be patient
- Avoid arguments or "battles of will" with the person
- Don't "nag" about eating or not eating--don't be forceful
- Don't agree to keep the person's eating disorder a "secret" when the person's health and/or thinking is impaired
- Avoid making comments about the person's appearance
- Limit discussions about food or labeling foods as "good" or "bad"
- Do be available to listen to the person in times of distress
- Reach out to the person as a friend instead of focusing on the person's eating behavior
