Telling Someone About your Eating Disorder

Don't fear the worst! Things aren't always as bad as we anticipate them to be. You have to first take the risk to discover what the true outcome will be.

Tell someone you trust. First, you can start by telling a close friend or family member that you trust. It is important that you feel comfortable with that person and feel comfortable talking to them.

Bring someone with you. If you are telling your family and will have great difficulty, consider having a friend with you for support and encouragement.

Having a therapist present while you talk to your family can also provide you with more security. The therapist can offer information, help discuss feelings and be there to answer questions.

Bring information with you. The person you choose to tell may not know a lot about eating disorders and maybe even nothing at all. It would be a good idea to bring a book or sheets of information you have about eating disorders.

Write a letter. When it is too difficult to say things verbally to someone writing a letter can be a great way to communicate. You can tell someone about your eating disorder in a letter and express your thoughts, feelings and fears. You can take time to write your letter and give more thought as to how to say things.

This also gives the recipient of your letter time to react and think about your letter and they can even reread your letter if they wish and need to. A letter is a good idea if you are too afraid to tell but want someone to know.

6. How You Can Help Someone with an Eating Disorder

COMMUNICATE

Try to talk to your friend or loved one in a gentle and loving manner. There isn't anything wrong with going to them and telling them you are worried and concerned about them. You can also let them know that you are there to listen if they want to talk about anything.

RESEARCH

Another thing you can do is educate yourself on the topic of Eating Disorders. There are many books available at your local library or bookstore. They will offer information on a variety of issues pertaining to Eating Disorders. The more educated you are, the more of a help you will become to your friend or loved one.

There are also many web sites on the Internet about Eating Disorders. Not only can you find support for the sufferer but you may have the opportunity to seek support from others that have endured the same experience as you. Chat rooms are one of the great ways to meet others and a great way to communicate.

LISTEN

Learn to be a great listener. Eating Disorders are not just about food. They are about a way to feel in control, a way to hide, a way of coping and dealing with emotional pain, low self-esteem, stress and depression. It may be difficult but try to pay more attention to what comes out of their mouth rather than what's going in.

Mental Health Information Service
Mental Health Association NSW
60-62 Victoria Rd
Gladesville NSW 2111
email:info@mentalhealth.asn.au
website: www.mentalhealth.asn.au