This post was developed via a partnership with BetterHelp.
There are many people that may have an issue with food, what they eat, and how much they eat. In some cases, this leads to the development of an eating disorder. If you know someone that experiences this condition or you think they do, you may want to read this article.
Eating Disorders
Anyone can be affected by an eating disorder, and it may not be obvious that they have one. This is why if you suspect that a friend or family member has symptoms related to an eating disorder, you should be careful about what you say to them. You likely don’t want them to become offended and not listen to what you have to say. Instead, take a gentle approach and tell them what you have experienced and that you are concerned about them.
For more help concerning eating disorders, check out BetterHelp. There is additional information available to read.
How to Be Supportive
In addition to informing a loved one how you have seen them behave and that their behavior is concerning to you, there are a few additional ways to show them your support.
Be There For Them
One approach you can take is to be there for your friend whenever you are able to. Check in with them regularly to ask about their day or and meet up occasionally, so you will be able to see for yourself how they are doing. At times, they may need a kind ear or advice, so allow them to lean on you when this is possible.
Find Out More
You may want to find out more about eating disorders in general, so you will be aware of symptoms and behaviors that you need to look out for. Reading books or medically reviewed articles might also help you learn additional information on how to help a friend and be on their side when they are experiencing this type of illness.
Talk About Other Subjects
Even though you might be concerned about a person’s diet or eating habits, there are other things you can talk to them about. An individual may become upset with you if you only talk to them about food, so try to discuss other subjects as well. When the topic of eating comes up, it is okay to talk about it, but there should be many more things to speak about as well.
Suggest Therapy
If you can do so in a respectful manner, suggest that a loved one see a therapist. It may be beneficial to tell them about people you know that have been to therapy, or if you have worked with a counselor yourself, it will be possible to tell them about the process you went through. There are options available when it comes to therapy, which they may not have considered, including taking advantage of online therapy. This type can be utilized from a smartphone, anytime, and any place you are. Having flexibility when it comes to meeting with a therapist might cause them to consider working with one.
Accept What They Say
There may be times that a person tells you that they don’t want to see a therapist and they will not discuss their eating habits with you. If this happens to you, be sure to accept their wishes and try your best to be there for them anyway.
It is important to continue to talk to them and check in, even if they are upset with you, since there is a chance that they may come around in the future. Do what you can to be a good friend to them.
Conclusion
It can be difficult to accept that a loved one has an eating disorder, especially if you talk to them about it and they don’t want to respect your opinion. While you can’t make someone seek therapy, you can be supportive of them at all times. They may change their mind and wish to lean on you after a while, so make sure that you are there to support them when they’re ready.
