Ideas for Helping People With Eating Disorders

For most people, one of the most helpful steps in overcoming an eating disorder involves learning to talk to people about it. By talking to a person about their problems, you give them a person they can know will be willing to listen. While you may not be listened to immediately, your attempts will show that you do care.

Avoid power struggles over eating habits. If you are constantly watching the eating and exercise patterns of a person with an eating disorder, it is very likely that rather than changing their styles, they will simply stop eating in front of you and will try to keep their problems hidden further. Know that you may be rejected as you try to confront someone about her or his problems. This is not your fault. It takes time for most people with eating disorders to learn to talk about their problems; it is possible that they simply aren't ready to talk. However, it is still important that they know you are concerned.

Additional support is available from Psychological Counseling Services.