Reach Out For Support
Opening up about the problem is an essential step on the road to recovery once you’ve decided to make a change. If you suffer from an eating disorder, it can be intimidating or embarrassing to seek help, so you should find someone who will listen to you without judging you or rejecting you. This could be a family member ,close friend, a youth leader, school counselor, or a teacher you trust. Alternatively, you may feel more comfortable confiding in a doctor or therapist.
Choose the right time and place. When you tell someone about your eating disorder, there are no hard and fast rules. Make sure to pick the right time and place-ideally a place where you won’t be interrupted or rushed.
Starting the conversation. Oftentimes, this is the most challenging part. You can simply say, “I have something important to tell you.”. If you could be patient with me and listen to what I have to say, that would mean the world.” Then you might want to discuss how your eating disorder started, your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors, and how it has affected your life.
Be patient. Learning about your eating disorder may trigger an emotional reaction in your friend or family member. They may feel confused, shocked, sad, helpless or even angry. They may not know how to respond or assist you. Give them some time to ponder what you are telling them. Additionally, it is important to explain your eating disorder to them.
Describe how the person can best support you. For example, you might want them to find treatment for you, accompany you to a doctor’s appointment, check in with how you’re feeling regularly, or support you in another way (without turning into food police).