How can I help a friend who has an eating disorder?
If you have a friend who is going through an eating disorder, you've probably wondered how you can support them or what role you should play throughout the process. The first thing to keep in mind is that everyone experiences it differently, that recovery isn't linear, and that it can take a long time.
When a person is recovering from an eating disorder, their treatment addresses not only the physical and psychological aspects, but also the social ones. During this period, family and friends play a fundamental role , as they can be a protective factor that helps the person regain the life they had before the onset of the disorder.
Sometimes, when someone has a friend with an eating disorder, the stigma can influence how they interact, as there are many myths and a lack of understanding about this disorder and mental health in general. The stigma can also make the affected person feel insecure when socializing , and it's common for them to avoid social situations where food is involved, which can affect their decision to accept invitations.
Beatriz Torres Cecilia
Friends don't have to do anything extraordinary or out of the ordinary when they interact with someone with an eating disorder, and although they can't directly address the problem, they can offer support and companionship . However, many times they don't know how to act in this situation, what to do, or what to say to provide this support. Below, we offer some advice.
12 tips to help a friend with an eating disorder
- Continue being their friend . Your role remains the same, so you can treat the person with the same normalcy as before the disorder appeared. Just as you would with any other problem, offer them your full support and help.
- Understand the process . Recovery from an eating disorder is a long and complex process that is often not linear. This will help you understand it better, as changes don't happen quickly or overnight.
- Don't judge them and try to understand what they're going through . Remember that it's not easy for them to share what they're feeling.
- Listen to her if she needs it . There's no need to give advice or talk too much. Just actively listen.
- Suggest plans to her, even if she doesn't always feel like it. Doing activities and interacting with other people will help reduce thoughts about the disorder.
- Try to avoid bringing up certain topics : food, diets, calories, weight, body image, or unhealthy exercise. If any of these topics come up, you can help by talking about something else and changing the subject.
When words hurt
- If the person asks you not to tell other friends, don't . Sometimes explaining a personal situation can lead to stigma or rumors that cause distress.
- Don't act like you're their therapist . They're already receiving help from qualified professionals. Right now, they need distractions. Avoid asking them about anything else related to their treatment.
- Try asking less specific and more general questions so she feels more comfortable sharing the information she wants. For example, you could ask, "How are you?"
- If you notice that the person is isolating themselves or distancing themselves a lot , don't assume it's because they don't want to be with you. Sometimes people with an eating disorder go through difficult times and feel the need to be alone.
- Learn more about eating disorders . The more you know about this disorder, the better prepared you'll be to help and understand your friend. There are associations, websites, and books that you may find very helpful.
- Take care of yourself. Find time to relax and seek your own emotional support, if needed.
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