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Help with Anorexia
If you know someone with anorexia,
you can help. Follow these steps
from the National Eating Disorders
Association:
Set a time to talk. Set aside a time
to privately talk about your
concerns with your friend. Be open
and honest. Make sure you talk in a
place away from distractions.
Tell your friend about your
concerns. Tell your friend about
specific times when you were worried
about her eating or exercise
behaviors. Explain that you think
these things may show a problem that
needs professional help.
Ask your friend talk about these
concerns. She could talk to a
counselor or doctor who knows about
eating issues. If you feel
comfortable, offer to help your
friend make an appointment or go
with her to her appointment.
Avoid conflicts or a battle of the
wills with your friend. If your
friend doesn’t admit to a problem,
repeat your feelings and the reasons
for them. Be a supportive listener.
Don’t place shame, blame, or guilt
on your friend. Do not use
accusatory “you” statements like,
“You just need to eat.” Or, “You are
acting irresponsibly.” Instead, use
“I” statements like, “I’m concerned
about you because you refuse to eat
breakfast or lunch.” Or, “It makes
me afraid to hear you vomiting.”
Avoid giving simple solutions. Don’t
say, "If you'd just stop, then
everything would be fine!"
Express your continued support.
Remind your friend that you care and
want her to be healthy and happy.
Content Courtesy : www.4woman.gov
Note : Information herein is
provided for informational purposes
only and is not a substitute for
professional medical advice. You
should not use this information for
diagnosing or treating a medical or
health condition. If you have or
suspect you have a medical problem,
promptly contact your professional
healthcare provider. Please consult
your healthcare provider before
beginning any course of
supplementation or treatment.
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