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What should I do if I think someone I know has bulimia? |
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If you know someone with bulimia, you can help. Follow these steps from the National Eating Disorders Association:
- Set a time to talk. Set aside a time to privately talk about your concerns with your friend. Be open and honest. Make sure you talk in a place away from distractions.
- Tell your friend about your concerns. Tell your friend about specific times when you were worried about her eating or exercise behaviors. Explain that you think these things may show a problem that needs professional help.
- Ask your friend talk about these concerns. She could talk to a counselor or doctor who knows about eating issues. If you feel comfortable, offer to help your friend make an appointment or go with her to her appointment.
- Avoid conflicts or a battle of the wills with your friend. If your friend doesn’t admit to a problem, repeat your feelings and the reasons for them. Be a supportive listener.
- Don’t place shame, blame, or guilt on your friend. Do not use accusatory “you” statements like, “You just need to eat.” Or, “You are acting irresponsibly.” Instead, use “I” statements like, “I’m concerned about you because you refuse to eat breakfast or lunch.” Or, “It makes me afraid to hear you vomiting.”
- Avoid giving simple solutions. Don’t say, "If you'd just stop, then everything would be fine!"
- Express your continued support. Remind your friend that you care and want her to be healthy and happy.
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There is no such thing as an ideal weight for all. Bodies are all different and every person is unique – so the healthy weight for you as an individual will be something assessed depending on several different factors. 
Eating Disorders 
