Helping Someone Who Has Anorexia

Do you know someone who is suffering from anorexia, an eating disorder? It may be any one from your family or one of your friends. You may not know what your loved one is suffering from while at the same time you may want to help them.

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder which induces the fear of weight gain within the individual. The individual suffering from this problem will try to lose weight and go hungry for hours to avoid weight gain. Here, we have for you a guide on how family & friends can help a loved one with anorexia nervosa and bring them back to a normal life.

Anorexia Nervosa – A Disorder

Anorexia is a deadly and often fatal eating disorder. The best way to help someone you know with anorexia is to learn more about this dangerous problem as it is affecting millions of people around the world, both men and women, boys and girls. Anorexia in actuality is just a symptom of a much bigger problem. Lack of self esteem, poor body image and feelings of worthlessness are just some of the many reasons why anyone becomes anorexic.

Anorexia is both complex and confusing, because it becomes extremely hard to see someone you care about suffering from this frightening disease voluntarily. It is tough watching someone literally starve themselves, and not be able to do anything about it.

How You Can Help Your Loved One Suffering from Anorexia Nervosa

You need to do is keep in mind that anorexia does not develop overnight, and recovering from this illness is not easy task. An anorexic’s dedication to treatment and therapy is their only real chance of recovery. This illness is a life long battle for most, but with the proper help, the battle can be made easier. Family and friends play a critical and vital role in the recovery process.

Know About the Disorder

To help some one with anorexia, the first thing you need to do is learn more about this eating disorder. By educating yourself, you will be able to better understand what is going on and also be less fearful of this illness. Search the web, go to the library and talk to people going through this illness with their families.

Not only will this give you more insight into anorexia but it will also show you how to help your loved one defeat it. Speak to eating disorder specialists as they can help you understand the feelings and emotions associated with this frightening problem. Also learn about the different modes of treatment, medication, therapy and counseling that are out there.

Seek Professional Help

If you know that someone you care about is anorexic, don’t try to deal with it on your own. Intensive treatment and therapy is needed for a person to recover from this disorder. With early intervention the chances for recovery improve considerably.

A health care professional will be able to handle and assess the situation, as not only do they have prior experience, but they also have an unbiased view of what is going on. Speak to eating disorder specialists and learn what you can and cannot do to help. It will help you in understanding the problem and let you deal with the reasons behind the why this eating disorder exists. It is necessary to seek help as soon as possible, because in cases of severe anorexia, conditions such as osteoporosis, brain damage or endocrine abnormalities can occur.

Help Your Loved One Recognize the Problem

Anorexics cannot recover unless they are willing to admit that they have a serious problem. Gently confront you loved one in a secure environment and try to make them understand your point of view. However, be prepared for a strong reaction or backlash. Most anorexic’s deny their condition and may also try to explain their point of view to you. Be compassionate and empathize with your loved one. Losing your temper will not get you anywhere. It will probably take a while before your loved one is ready to admit they have a problem.

Maintain Meaningful Communication

Anorexia is a disorder that is deeply rooted in emotional turmoil. Do not try and force an anorexic to do anything they do not want to do, it will only shut them down. Instead, try and look at the world through their eyes. Admit your feelings and fears to them. Remind them that they can turn to you whenever they need any help. Make them understand that every human being has weaknesses and limitations. Always be calm and collected and avoid confrontations. Do not blame or point fingers at anyone. Be sensitive.

Especially do not try to emotionally blackmail your loved one into eating, this will only make them feel worse and avoid food altogether. Anorexics often feel ashamed, discouraged, fearful or hopeless. These feelings can only be erased through unconditional love and encouragement.

Treat Anorexics Normally

Do not treat your loved one as you would a sick person. Instead, remember that they need both space and time. Use other ways of expressing your approval and love that have nothing to do with weight or food. Never refer to your loved one as “an anorexic". Unless there is any danger to their lives, do not shield them from the natural consequences of their eating disorder. Anorexics need tough love.

Develop a Support Network

Find other people who you can talk with openly about your feelings and experiences, fears and frustrations. Speak to qualified doctors and eating disorder specialists about your plan of action. Learn about neighborhood support groups and go to them. Talk with the families of other anorexics and learn how you can build a better relationship with your loved one. Having an eating disorder can be very lonely, remember to give your loved one plenty of reassurance, especially during difficult times.

Be a Good Role Model

Be a good role model when it comes to eating and discussing your feelings openly. When speaking about food or weight-related issues, be careful and take a non-aggressive stance. Change your own eating habits, activities and attitudes. Eat a healthy balanced diet and exercise. Avoid junk food or those foods loaded with calories. Also do not make any negative comments about your body. Remember to lead by example.

Do Not Blame Yourself and Be Patient

There is no single cause for an eating disorder. Eating disorders are complex illnesses and not anyone’s fault. If at times you are blamed take responsibility for your words and admit mistakes freely. But do not give an anorexic any justification for what they are doing to themselves. Do not let guilt, insecurity or fear get in the way of being actively involved in your loved one's life.

Learn to be patient. Eating disorders do not start overnight and recovering from an eating disorder is not easy. Sometimes, on the road to recovery, your loved one will suffer a few set backs, but this is natural. Remember to be patient, as recovery is attainable.