What You Can Do If a Friend Has Eating Disorder Symptoms

Eating disorders affect as many as 10 out of every 100 teens in America. If a friend of yours is suffering with classic eating disorder symptoms including using diet pills, refusing to eat, losing weight rapidly, counting calories obsessively or exercising obsessively, there are steps you can take to help them.

Step 1: Talk Privately With Your Pal, Without Telling Other Friends

It's important to first talk privately with your friend, to let them know you've noticed their behavior changes. Be sure to express your feelings of worry for their health and gently listen to what they have to say. Don't get angry with them, as they may be defensive about your questioning. Just remind them you are talking to them about the issue because you care. Many times your friend may not be able to even admit to themselves they have a problem (denial is common). Tell your friend you are willing to go with them to a parent, teacher or counselor to talk about their issues.

Step 2: Talk To A Parent

If talking with your friend doesn't help much, you can always go to your parents, a school counselor, a school nurse or your friend's parents to talk about the issue. It can feel as if you're betraying your pal, but it can be important for their overall health.

Step 3: Learn About Eating Disorders

One of the best things you can do for your friend is learn more about what they're going through. You can research eating disorders via books and online information sites.

Step 4: Adjust your behavior

You can learn how you might be able to help your friend by learning how to act around them. For instance, you should not talk about food, weight, diets or body shape around them. In addition, you should not talk much about their eating habits. Talk with your friend about how helpful she is, how she is very smart and how her smile can light up a room. Be sure to never talk about her physical appearance or appearances of others. Be positive when the friend hits a goal with her recovery process.

Asking simple questions about how you can help your friend may be all they need as a starter conversation to open up to you. Stay positive and comforting and you'll be a great help to any friend suffering with an eating disorder.