if you know someone struggling
Although it may be hard to tell, since there isn't one description that an eating disorder fits into, if you think you may know someone that is struggling here are a few ways that you may be able to make an impact on them.
Approaching them directly may be a tricky and uncomfortable situation for both people, because a lot of the time the person is ashamed about it. You may trigger emotions or behaviors if you directly talk to them about it, so here are some ideas that may be an easier approach.
First off, talk to the person's family and ask if they may have the same suspicions. Since they are with the person you are concerned about majority of the time, they will know best. If they haven't noticed what you are seeing, bring it to their attention
Talking to a counselor can be beneficial as well. They have a profession in dealing with psychiatric health and can approach the person in a safe and welcoming way.
Bringing it up to another trusted adult, such as a coach or teacher would work too because they will be more wise in a way to bring the topic up.
If you feel that talking to the person directly would be the best approach, remember a couple things. This topic is very sensitive, and needs to be approached that way. Maybe slowly bring up the topic, and start indirectly by just mentioning topics related around what you are trying to get it. Avoid talking about food or body image, or making negative comments about yourself, because these can be triggering and may effect the person in a negative way. If you are completely comfortable with directly asking the person, try kindly asking them if they are confident with themselves or saying that you are worried about their well being and have noticed some concerning behaviors.
The difficulty with this disorder is that usually a person consumed by it, is insecure about themselves, making them want to hide their insecurities including their eating disorder. So, lots of the time they will deny that they have one. Making a comfortable environment for them to talk in is a key for helping them open up. Letting them know that you are only concerned, and not mad, will also be beneficial as well. Even if this is an uncomfortable talk, know that it is an important one because no one should have to go through this alone.
Approaching them directly may be a tricky and uncomfortable situation for both people, because a lot of the time the person is ashamed about it. You may trigger emotions or behaviors if you directly talk to them about it, so here are some ideas that may be an easier approach.
First off, talk to the person's family and ask if they may have the same suspicions. Since they are with the person you are concerned about majority of the time, they will know best. If they haven't noticed what you are seeing, bring it to their attention
Talking to a counselor can be beneficial as well. They have a profession in dealing with psychiatric health and can approach the person in a safe and welcoming way.
Bringing it up to another trusted adult, such as a coach or teacher would work too because they will be more wise in a way to bring the topic up.
If you feel that talking to the person directly would be the best approach, remember a couple things. This topic is very sensitive, and needs to be approached that way. Maybe slowly bring up the topic, and start indirectly by just mentioning topics related around what you are trying to get it. Avoid talking about food or body image, or making negative comments about yourself, because these can be triggering and may effect the person in a negative way. If you are completely comfortable with directly asking the person, try kindly asking them if they are confident with themselves or saying that you are worried about their well being and have noticed some concerning behaviors.
The difficulty with this disorder is that usually a person consumed by it, is insecure about themselves, making them want to hide their insecurities including their eating disorder. So, lots of the time they will deny that they have one. Making a comfortable environment for them to talk in is a key for helping them open up. Letting them know that you are only concerned, and not mad, will also be beneficial as well. Even if this is an uncomfortable talk, know that it is an important one because no one should have to go through this alone.
