What should a woman do if she has a friend whom she suspects to have an eating disorder? What if the friend denies it?
I think the best thing that a person can do when they suspect their friend has an eating disorder, is to be there to listen and try to help them find a way to change their behaviors. I think the worst thing they can do is be accusive, demand that they stop, or tell them they are being stupid for thinking they are fat or need to do this to themselves. Eating disorders go way deeper than someone just wanting to loose weight or be skinny. The person that has an eating disorder has a disease and cannot just stop what they are doing over night, they will have to go to counselling and learn to deal with whatever it is that is causeing them do have the eating disorder. So the best think to do is just be there for them. If the friend denies it Ithink the best thing would be to try to get them to agree to seeing a counselor even if the are not agreeing to go for the eating disorder, just try to get them to go talk to someone who will be able to dig deeper into their problems.
Bridget,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your blog this week. I really liked that you explained we shouldn’t be accusatory toward someone with an eating disorder. It is important to realize that most individuals with an eating disorder know it is wrong and unhealthy; this is why someone typically tries to hide their disorder. I agree that an eating disorder is not an easy “habit” to stop. It is a major problem that stems from something much deeper than having a healthy diet. I have confronted a friend about an eating disorder, and I think the most important thing is to be supportive and understanding. Although she refused to seek help, I believe it helped shine a light on the fact that there is a problem and others are aware of it. I have noticed a positive change in her behavior, and we have become closer because of our experiences together. Great blog!
Sincerely,
Naomi Y.