How To Approach Someone Who Has An Eating Disorder To Get Them Help
Posted on: 14 September 2020
Someone that has an eating disorder will do what they have to do in order to hide their disorder. Whether it's because they're ashamed to be found out, or are worried about someone trying to get them help, it can be difficult to discuss with someone that is suffering from this type of disorder. An eating disorder can be someone that is anorexic, or bulimic. It may not be easy to spot someone that is anorexic or bulimic based on someones appearance alone, there are other telltale signs, such as food avoidance, constantly pinching their "fat", measuring every portion of every bite of food, going to the bathroom immediately after binging on food. These are just a few signs to watch out for. If you suspect someone has an eating disorder and you want to get the person help, there are ways to broach this topic. Read on for helpful tips.
Don't Ridicule
Ridiculing someone that has an eating disorder is not going to end well. The person already has low self-esteem, beating the person down further isn't going to help. Don't approach the person telling them they aren't being smart about how they are eating, don't tell them they are too skinny or that their appearance is awful looking. Ridiculing the person will only push the person away further, causing them to withdraw and possibly worsen their condition further.
Try Offering Healthy Solutions
Offer instead healthy solutions on how to lose weight in a proper way, not in an obsessive and unhealthy way. The person may need to see that it's OK if they want to lose weight or be thin, but that they need to do so in a healthier way so as to not cause other health issues. Anorexia can lead to other health issues, including high blood pressure, heart problems, and liver and kidney issues as well. Be sure there are healthy foods available to the person and make healthy meals if possible for the person to eat. Setting a good example can help the person see a healthier way of life.
Know That Eating Disorders Aren't Always About Food
Eating disorders are about control, not about food. Eating disorders are a mental disorder, and something may have triggered this type of response where the person suffering feels that they need to control something because something else in their life isn't in their control. Consider what this person has been through recently, and try to discuss this occurrence, rather than the disorder itself.
Getting someone with an eating disorder the help they need is important, but getting them to a eating disorder treatment center is how you get this person help. If you aren't sure how to approach someone with an eating disorder, or how to get to the first step, talk to a treatment counselor about helpful tips.
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