If you know a friend who is going through a eating disorder you have to be very cautious about how you approach them. First, you might want to start by watching their behaviors around food. You can do this eating out with them, offering them to eat a meal with you, and watching them as they go and use the bathroom. However, please do not make it obvious because it will make them furious.
Now if you confront them they will try to deny it, by saying things like, "there is nothing wrong with me". Thus, you might want to set a time to talk. This might be a private place, so they do not feel uncomfortable. Then you want to communicate your concerns to them. This may include their behavior around food, or even their weight dropping. After wards, you will politely want to ask your friend to explore these concerns, even though most of them probably will not think twice about it. In any case, avoid any conflicts or battles of wills with your friend. Also avoid placing any shame, guilt or blame. I believe avoid giving them simple solutions, and just continue to express your continued support.
Now when you bring up the subject, you will use "I" statements instead of using "you" which will turn them away. In all honesty you are the one interested in their behaviors and you want to support them in any way you can!
These are the steps you would take when approaching someone, but I believe the reactions you will get might be: denial, anger, "mind your own buisness", "you're not so great yourself"
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
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3 comments:
Interesting blog, but I think telling other people what to eat maybe is not the greatest thing to do. As a cancer patient, I probably know about as much as what is good to eat as anyone in the world. Are soy products good for you or not? Look at various alternative health sites, and you can never come to a very good conclusion. Non GM0 soy foods, might be okay for you, but soy still has a lot of fat.
Your blog got my interest anyway,
Alex from class
This is a very interesting article. Sometimes, I may feel uncomfortable when i am eating with a friend who eats disorder. Thank you for sharing the solution. it really helpful.....
Thank you for these ideas. I had a good friend in college with an eating disorder, and she did not see herself that way. Her mind told her something different. It was only with professional help that she was able to conquer it.
I am glad you are bringing up this sensitive subject and opening it for discussion!
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