Eating disorders affect more people than you think.Adolescent girls and young women are most often affected by Anorexia nervosa, but it can affect anyone.A recent study suggests that 25% of people suffering from an eating disorder are male.It is characterized by severe restriction of what one eats, low body weight, and a disturbed view of their own bodies.It responds to complicated social and personal issues.Anorexia can cause serious damage to the body.It has the highest death rate for mental health issues.If you think a friend or loved one has an eating disorder, read on to learn how to help.
Step 1: Look at the person's eating habits.
People with an eating disorder have a bad relationship with food.Anorexics severely restrict their food in order to avoid gaining weight because of an intense fear of gaining it.Not eating is not the only sign of an eating disorder.Food related rituals, such as excessive chewing, pushing food around on the plate, cutting it into smaller and smaller pieces are examples of warning signs.
Step 2: The person may be obsessed with food.
People with an eating disorder are often obsessed with food.They may be interested in cooking, collecting recipes, or watching cooking shows.They talk a lot about food, but they are often negative about it.The side-effect of starvation is obsession with food.People who are starving were shown in a landmark study to fantasize about food.They will spend a lot of time thinking about it.They talk about it with others and themselves.
Step 3: Do you know if the person makes excuses to avoid eating?
They may say they ate before they arrived at the party.Other reasons to avoid food include: "I'm not hungry, I need to lose weight, and I have food sensitivities."
Step 4: If the person you are concerned about is thin, you should observe how they talk about diet.
If the person seems very thin but still talks about needing to lose weight, they may have a distorted view of their own body.distorted body image is a hallmark of Anorexia, where the person continues to believe they are heavier than they really are.People with an eating disorder will often deny that they are overweight.People with an eating disorder may wear baggy clothes to hide their true size.They may wear pants and jackets in the hot weather.Part of this is to hide the fact that people with an eating disorder can't regulate their body temperature effectively.Don't rule obese people out.It is possible to be anorexic.You shouldn't wait until the person becomes overweight before getting them help because Anorexia, restricted eating, and fast weight loss are very dangerous.
Step 5: The person has an exercise habit.
People with an eating disorder may be able to compensate by exercising.Exercise is usually very inflexible.A person with an eating disorder may go for too long or push their body too hard.Even if the person is not training for a particular sport or event, they can still exercise for many hours each week.People with an eating disorder may exercise even when they are tired or injured because they feel compelled to burn off their food.Exercise is a common behavior for males with an eating disorder.The person may think he is overweight or unhappy with his body composition.He may be preoccupied with body-building or "toning" and will often see themselves as "flabby" even if they are fit.People with an eating disorder who cannot exercise, or who have not exercised as much as they want to, will often be restless.
Step 6: Keep in mind that the person's appearance may or may not be affected by Anorexia.
Anorexia causes physical symptoms as it progresses.You can't tell if a person has an eating disorder from their appearance.The best sign that a person is suffering from an eating disorder is a combination of these symptoms.Not every person with an eating disorder has all of the following symptoms.
Step 7: Consider the person's mood.
Mood swings can be very common among people with an eating disorder.Depression and anxiety are related to eating disorders.Irritability, listlessness, and trouble concentrating may be experienced by people with an eating disorder.
Step 8: Evaluate the person's self-esteem.
People with an eating disorder are often very strict.They perform well at school or work if they are over-achievers.They suffer from low self-esteem.A person with an eating disorder may complain that they are not good enough, or they can't do anything right.Their distorted view of their body image makes it impossible for them to get to their ideal weight.There will always be more to lose.
Step 9: The person may be displaying guilt or shame.
People with an eating disorder will feel bad after eating.They may see eating as a sign of weakness or self-control.If the person you're concerned about frequently expresses guilt over eating or guilt and shame over their body size, this could be a sign of an eating disorder.
Step 10: The person may have become withdrawn.
People with an eating disorder may stop spending time with their friends.They may be spending more time online.It is important to remember that eating disorders can be successfully treated, not a healthy choice made by healthy people.People with an eating disorder may post on social media.These types of posts can include pictures of extremely thin people or messages that make fun of people who are overweight.
Step 11: The person may spend a lot of time in the bathroom after eating.
There are two types of eating disorders.The restricting type is the one most people are familiar with, but the binge-eating/purging types are also common.In the case of inducing vomiting after eating, the person may use a variety of drugs.There is a difference between binge-eating and bulimia nervosa.People with bulimia nervosa don't always restrict calories when they're not binge-eating.When a person is not binge-eating or purging they will severely restrict calories.People with bulimia nervosa will often binge eat a lot of food.A single cookie or small bag of chips can be considered small quantities of food that need to be eaten.
Step 12: The person may be secretive about their habits.
People with an eating disorder may be ashamed.They might think that you don't understand their eating behaviors and would try to keep them from doing them.People with an eating disorder try to hide their behaviors from others.They may lie about how much they exercise.
Step 13: There are eating disorders.
People suffering from an eating disorder can be easy to judge.It can be hard to understand why someone is doing things to his or her body.Learning about what causes eating disorders and what the people suffering from them experience will help you approach a possible sufferers with care.It is recommended to read Talking to Eating Disorders: Simple Ways to Support Someone with Anorexia, bulimia, Binge Eating, or Body Image Issues.The National Eating Disorders Association provides resources for friends and families of those affected by eating disorders.The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness is a non-profit organization that provides education and resources to heighten awareness of eating disorders.The National Institute of Mental Health has a lot of information and resources for people with eating disorders.
Step 14: Understand the risks of eating disorders.
Anorexia can lead to serious health conditions.The cause of deaths in females between 15 and 24 years old is anorexia nervosa.Up to 20% of cases will cause early death.Lack of menstruation in females, exhaustion, and Abnormally slow or irregular heartbeat are some of the medical issues it can cause.
Step 15: It's a good idea to talk with the person in private.
Eating disorders can be caused by personal and social issues.They might have genetic factors at work.Talking about your eating disorder can be embarrassing.Don't approach your loved one in a public place.If either of you is stressed or angry, don't approach the person.It will be difficult to communicate your care for the person.
Step 16: To convey your feelings, use "I" statements.
The other person can feel less like you are attacking them if you use "I" statements.The discussion should be in the other person's control.You could say something like, "I have noticed some things that worry me."I care about you.The person might become defensive.He might deny having a problem.You may be accused of interfering in his/her life.You can assure them that you care about them, but don't get defensive.The other person will feel attacked if you say things like "I'm just trying to help you" or "You need to listen to me."The focus should be on positive statements such as "I'm concerned about you and I want you to know that I'll be here for you" or " I am ready to talk whenever you feel ready."
Step 17: Don't blame language.
You can use "I" statements to help with this.It is important that you do not use blaming or judgmental language.The other person will not understand your true concern if you exaggerate, threaten, or accuse.Don't say "you" or "You've got to stop this" if they play on the other person's sense of shame or guilt.If you say things like "think about what you're doing to your family" or "If you really cared about me you would take care of yourself", you could make people with an eating disorder feel bad.Don't threaten the person.It is important to avoid statements such as "You will be grounded if you don't eat better" or "I'll tell everyone about your problem if they do not agree to get help." These will cause significant distress and can make the eating disorder worse.
Step 18: You should encourage the person to share his/her feelings.
Giving the other person time to share how they are feeling is important.Conversation that is all about you are not likely to be productive.People should not be rushed through this type of conversation.It can take a while to process feelings.Make it clear that you don't judge or criticize their feelings.
Step 19: Suggest the person take a screening test.
The National Eating Disorders Association has an online screening tool that is free and anonymous.Asking someone to take the test may be a low-pressure way to get them to acknowledge their problem.There are two screenings available, one for college students and the other for adults.
Step 20: The need for professional help is emphasized.
You should try to communicate your concern in productive ways.Anoremia is a serious condition that can be treated under professional supervision.It is important to let people know that seeking help is not a sign of failure or weakness, but an act of control.It may be possible to frame this as a medical issue.If your loved one has diabetes or cancer, you would encourage them to seek medical help.You are simply asking them to seek professional help for an illness.There is a feature on the NEDA website.You can use this feature to find a counselor or therapist who specializes in an eating disorder.Family therapy may be helpful if the person is a young person.According to some studies, family-based therapy is more effective for teens than individual therapy, because it can help address ineffective communication patterns within the family as well as offer ways for everyone to support the sufferers.In some cases, in-patient treatment is required.When a person is so thin that they are at a high risk of dying from organ failure, this is common.Inpatient treatment may be required for people who are depressed or suicidal.
Step 21: Support yourself.
It is difficult to see a loved one struggle with an eating disorder.It can be difficult if the person you're concerned about doesn't acknowledge that they have an eating disorder.It is possible to seek help from your own therapist or a support group.There is a list of support groups on the NEDA website.There is a Parent, Family and Friends Network.There is a list of support groups by state.Your physician may be able to refer you to support groups.Parents of children with an eating disorder should seek counseling.It is important not to control a child's eating habits or use bribes, but it is hard to accept that when you see any child at risk.It is possible to help a child with his/her disorder without making it worse.
Step 22: Affirm your loved one's accomplishments.
About 60 percent of people with eating disorders recover from treatment.It can take a long time to see full recovery.Even though they try to avoid damaging behaviors, some people will always suffer from feelings of being uncomfortable with their bodies.Through this process, support your loved one.Even small successes can be celebrated.Eating a small amount of food may represent a huge struggle for someone with an eating disorder.Don't judge them.Ensure that your loved one gets adequate care, but don't judge him/her for struggles or stumbles.After acknowledging the relapse, focus on how to get back on track.
Step 23: Be flexible and able to change.
Changes to routines by friends and family may be incorporated into treatment for young people.You should be prepared to make changes for your loved one's recovery.The therapist can suggest ways of communication or handling conflict change.It can be difficult to acknowledge that something you are doing is affecting a loved one.You may be able to help your loved one recover from the disorder by changing their behavior.The ultimate goal is healthy recovery.
Step 24: Focus on having fun and being positive.
It can be easy to support someone who is struggling with an eating disorder.A person struggling with an eating disorder spends a lot of time thinking about food, weight, and body image.Don't allow the disorder to be the only thing you talk about.Go to the movies, shop, play games or sports.Don't treat the other person badly, but let them enjoy life as normal as possible.People with eating disorders are not disorders.They have needs, thoughts, and feelings.
Step 25: Tell the other person that he is not alone.
Eating disorders can feel isolating.It is possible to help with recovery if you remind your loved one that you are there to talk or be supportive.There are support groups for your loved one to join.Make the options available, but don't force her or him to join them.
Step 26: Help your loved one deal with it.
Certain people, situations, or things may be triggering your loved one's disorder.It may be hard to resist having ice cream around.Going out to eat can cause anxiety.As possible, be supportive.It can take some time for a person with a disorder to discover their triggers.Unhealthy behavior can be triggered by past experiences and emotions.Stressful or new experiences can act as atrigger.Many people who suffer from Anorexia are desperate to feel in control, and situations that make them feel uncertain may lead to the need to perform unhealthy eating behaviors.
Step 27: Don't try to control the other person's behavior
Don't force the other person to eat.Don't use threats to get your loved one to eat more.Anorexia is a response to a lack of control over one's life.Taking control away from your loved one may only make the problem worse.Don't try to fix the problem of your loved one.Recovery is similar to the eating disorder.If you try to fix your loved one on your own, you may be doing more harm than good.Encourage him/her to see a mental health professional.
Step 28: Don't comment on the other person's appearance.
Anorexia involves a lot of shame and embarrassment for the person suffering from it.Comments on your loved one's appearance, eating habits, weight, etc., can cause him/her feelings of shame and disgust.Compliments are not helpful.S/he is unlikely to believe you because the person is dealing with a distorted body image.Positive comments can be seen as judgment or manipulation.
Step 29: Avoid being fat-shamed.
Each person's body weight may be different.It is important not to say something like, "You're not fat" if your loved one comments that they feel fat.You want your loved one to develop a healthy body image, not focus on fearing or diminishing one particular type of body.Ask your loved one where those feelings are coming from.Ask what he thinks would be gained by being thin, or what his fears are about being overweight.
Step 30: Don't simplify the matter.
Anorexia and other eating disorders can co-occur with other illnesses, such as anxiety and depression.Family and social situations may be affected by peer and media pressure.Ignore the complexity of the issue your loved one is struggling with when you say things like "If you would just eat more, things would be fine".Offer your support with statements such as "I realize this is a tough time for you" or "Eating differently can be hard, and I believe in you."
Step 31: It's a good idea to avoid perfectistic tendencies.
A common factor in triggering an eating disorder is the struggle to be perfect.A crucial part of success in life is your ability to adapt and be flexible.You and others are held to an impossible standard.Don't expect your loved one or yourself to be perfect.Recovering from an eating disorder may take a long time, and both of you will have times when you act in a way that you regret.When one of you slips up, acknowledge it, but don't beat yourself up for it.If you want to avoid similar mistakes, focus on what you can do.
Step 32: Do not promise to keep it a secret.
It may be tempting to keep your loved one's disorder a secret in order to gain his/her trust.You don't want to promote your loved one's behavior.Up to 20% of Anorexia sufferers may die early.Encourage your loved one to seek help.If you suggest that your loved one needs help, they may be angry with you or even reject you.This is not new.Let your loved one know that you support and care for him/her.