Getting Help for Someone You Know
If you suspect someone you know has an eating disorder, you may feel:
- Helpless
- Confused
- Guilty
- Frustrated
- Frightened
- Angry
- Worried
How you can help:
DON'T...
- Spy
- Nag about eating
- Comment on weight or appearance
- Force eating
- Agree to help control eating
- Blame yourself or someone else
DO...
- Encourage your friend or relative to get help at school, work, or in the community (e.g. contact a youth worker, a resource teacher or counselor, any health professional, counseling services)
- Be available when the person needs to talk - maintain communication channels
- Be supportive - let the person know you care about them
- Educate yourself - get information about eating disorders from a health professional, a library, or bookstore
- Discuss your concerns with a professional - seek help for yourself (e.g. an eating disorders group, or a professional experienced in helping friends and family cope)
- Click here for a list of local resources
FOR PARENTS:
A study on anorexia and bulimia was conducted in 1995. More than 60 parents from across Ontario shared the challenges and problems faced when they discovered their child had an eating disorder. The following is their advice to others who are just beginning their involvement with eating disorders:
- If you suspect your child has an eating disorder, act quickly. Someone with an eating disorder needs professional help. It is vital to recognize and treat the symptoms early.
- Find outside help for your child as well as for your family. Friends and relatives may not understand what you are going through. Support groups or professional counselling will help you to cope with and learn about eating disorders.
- Sometimes family doctors may not be sure what to do. Seek out alternatives if you are not satisfied. Be persistent. Do not give up.
- Find treatment that considers the needs of your child - help that is appropriate to the individual.
- Try to maintain a normal routine. Do not let the eating disorder control your life.
- Let your child "own the problem", but be prepared to step in when needed.
- Realize that this is not going to go away overnight. An eating disorder is a disease. It requires unconditional love, patience, support, time and treatment.
- Never lose hope.
Click on any one of the following articles / resources for additional information for parents:
How can I help my child recover from an eating disorder?
Sometimes family doctors may not be sure what to do. Information to give to your Family Doctor can be given to your doctor to let him/her know about resources available specifically for physicians, and his/her role in the recovery process.
Find treatment that considers the needs of your child and get training on how to help your child recover. Call 1-800-471-1732 for a consultation.
Additional treatment options can be found on the Directory of Services and Resources.
Find support in helping your child recover from an eating disorder - from other parents who have been through this. Call 519-745-4875 for contact information and/or Family & Friends Support Group meeting plans.
Learn about eating disorders, ways to cope, understand and help. EDAC members have put together a list of Recommended Reading, together with brief descriptions. Many books are available to borrow free of charge at our EDAC Lending Library - or at your local public library.
Coping Strategies for Families
Information on Eating Disorders | Getting Help for Yourself
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