How To Support Someone With An Eating Disorder?

A recent article called How to Support Someone with an Eating Disorder describes how to be a more empathetic friend to a person suffering with an eating disorder. While the article was directed at friends, parents and caretakers who do not struggle with eating disorders themselves, its advice can be adapted and applied to anyone who finds themselves struggling with the issue of an eating disorder.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait For Someone With An Eating Disorder to Say She’s OK

I remember having a conversation with a friend who said he was watching someone he knew suffer from an eating disorder. He said she didn’t seem to care about her health or well-being. He also said she seemed to constantly be lying to her family, even telling them that she was just tired when she really needed food. After some contemplation, I realized I’d have to wait to see how she progressed before I knew if her friend was right about her. Sure enough, she continued to lie about her eating, telling her family and friends that she was just tired. A few days later, one of her friends called her mother and told her she needed to come pick up her daughter from the hospital because her body was turning blue. The truth was, she’d been using a straw to get enough liquids, and it had dehydrated her. In a tragic, but unfortunately very real, incident, she had died.

Gaining Weight can be a Painful Process

As mentioned above, an eating disorder can be defined as a mental illness that is characterized by an intense focus on food and binge eating. People with eating disorders have a distorted view of their body image, and have a strong tendency to gain weight. There are three types of eating disorders: anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder. Anorexia is when an individual starves themselves and avoids certain foods because they fear being overweight. Bulimia is when people binge and then purge by vomiting or taking laxatives. Binge eating disorder is when people eat more than they need to satisfy their appetite, but they do so in a way that causes discomfort or distress.

Knowing When It’s Time to Accept Yourself

First, understand that eating disorders are a mental disorder. This means that they can’t be fixed simply by working out more, eating healthier, or eliminating certain foods. There are many different types of eating disorders, and the symptoms can vary based on which one you have. If you suspect you have an eating disorder, talk to a doctor or mental health professional. They will be able to determine if you have an eating disorder and can help you determine what kind of treatment you need. Next, make sure that you are trying to change your eating habits for the better. It can be helpful to make a goal to eat five fewer calories a day. This should help you to make healthier choices when choosing what to eat. Don’t be hard on yourself if you slip up. Make sure you eat a healthy breakfast each morning and snack on small, healthy portions throughout the day. Also, talk to your doctor about your mental and physical health. They can help you determine if your eating habits are harming you. Finally, find a support system. Friends, family, and even co-workers can help you to fight your eating disorder. They can help you understand the true reasons behind your eating habits and can remind you that you deserve to be happy.

What to Do When Someone You Care about is in Recovery

Even as a person with an eating disorder myself, I knew it was important to get recovery support when I was in the midst of my own recovery. As a result, I recently launched the [Official MENS Recovery Support](https://mensrecovery.org) movement to get more men and their families and friends of loved ones with eating disorders help and support in recovery.

There’s a Hidden Reason Why People with An Eating Disorder Often Don’t Eat

Research shows that people with anorexia are often eating for the wrong reasons. They may have the mistaken belief that they must eat to control their weight, or prevent something bad happening. Another reason for people with anorexia to avoid eating is to punish themselves. A number of studies have shown that people with anorexia are more likely to be attracted to punishing themselves. For example, one study showed that students who were more anxious and self-critical tended to eat less. Another study found that those who thought of themselves as inadequate tended to eat less. This is why it’s so important for people with anorexia to seek help. Eating disorders can be serious, and if left untreated can cause life-threatening complications.