How to help someone with an eating disorder: 6 ways
Those closest to someone with an eating disorder play “a huge role in just paying attention and identifying potential risk factors or signs,” said Alvin Tran, assistant professor of public health at the University of New Haven in Connecticut. Tran does research on eating disorders and body image.
One of the easiest things to do is ask how to help, said Joann Hendelman, clinical director of the National Alliance for Eating Disorders. But you need to get educated first, she added, since not knowing enough can be harmful.
Here’s what else you should know about supporting someone struggling with an eating disorder.
1. Know the signs
Emotional and behavioral
- Frequent looking at reflection for perceived flaws
- Preoccupation with weight, food, calories, carbohydrates, fat grams and dieting
- Refusal to eat certain foods or whole categories of foods
- Discomfort eating around others
- Food rituals such as eating only a certain food or food group, excessive chewing or not letting foods touch
- Skipping meals or eating small portions
- Withdrawal from friends and activities
- Extreme mood swings
Physical
- Noticeable increases or decreases in weight
- Complaints of gastrointestinal problems, such as stomach cramps, constipation and acid reflux
- Difficulties concentrating
- Dizziness, especially when standing
- Fainting
- Feeling cold often
- Cuts and calluses on finger joints (from intentional vomiting)
- Discolored teeth, cavities or tooth loss
- Dry skin and hair, and brittle nails
- Swelling below the ears
- Fine hair on body (lanugo)
- Weakness
2. Share your concerns
If you want to confront your loved one about the signs you’ve noticed, rehearsing what you want to say can help alleviate some of your nervousness, according to NEDA.
Schedule a time to talk in a private setting. Instead of asking if someone has an eating disorder, making accusations or giving opinions, use factual “I” statements about what you have noticed.
That could mean saying, “‘Hey, I noticed that you’re fixated or that you’re talking more about dieting,'” Tran said. “Or ‘I noticed that you’re uncomfortable eating in front of people. Please know that I’m here to offer that support should you ever need it.'”
Bringing up someone’s weight or appearance is rarely appropriate or helpful, Tran and Hendelman said. And don’t give simplistic advice such as “just eat” or “just stop eating,” NEDA suggests.
“It’s like going to somebody with an addiction for a substance or somebody who’s a smoker and saying, ‘Just quit,'” Tran explained. “It’s not that simple of a process, and oftentimes you will experience backlash when you make comments like that.”
Be prepared for defensive reactions to your educated advice, too. Some people might get angry if your awareness threatens their chances of getting what they want from their eating disorder. If this happens, repeat your concerns, but don’t force it — say you care and leave the door open for conversation, NEDA says.
3. Encourage them to seek help
People with eating disorders need professional help to heal. If they don’t have a physician or therapist but are ready to recover, you can offer to help find one or attend appointments with them.
Getting effective treatment as soon as possible dramatically increases a person’s chances for recovery, NEDA says.
Here are some resources:
- National Eating Disorders Association: People in the US can use NEDA’s helpline.
- National Alliance for Eating Disorders: Use the search tool for US treatment centers or specialists.
- Mind: This mental health organization lists resources in the UK.
- Eating Disorder Hope: This organization has information on international resources.
Don’t simply believe your loved one will see a professional — ensure the person follows through.
4. Remind them why they want to get well
Whether your loved one wants to travel, make friends, have children or pursue a career, they might have goals that have been thwarted by an eating disorder.
Reminding the person of that future can help with focus on long-term recovery, rather than the short-term perceived benefits of…
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