of a Person Experiencing Food and Weight Problems
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It is often difficult for family and friends to understand why someone they love is experiencing food and weight problems. Though frustrating, it is important to realize that only the person experiencing the difficulty can make the decision to get help and choose what kind of help they need and want.
An eating disorder is a coping strategy (often combined with depression) that an individual uses to deal with deeper problems which are too painful or difficult to address directly. There is a developing range of services available in the Niagara area. It is important to find the ones that the person will be comfortable with, or find helpful. It is not beneficial for her/him to stay in a treatment setting that is found to be unhelpful, or possibly even damaging. The sufferer is the one who needs to make the ultimate decision about the help they get.
| When first approaching your family member/friend, it is important to understand that they may not welcome your expression of concern and may even react with anger or denial. This is her/his prerogative. They will discuss their eating disorder with someone when they feel ready. |
you a Free information package. |
They will probably feel more able to do so if they know that you are concerned,
but that you are not going to force them to do anything before they are ready. Be prepared
for the possibility that a discussion about their eating problems might not lead to any
change in attitude or behaviour on their part. Letting them know that you know, care, and
are willing to talk about it when they are ready will be very helpful for them.
It is important if you are trying to support someone with an eating disorder that you examine your own attitudes about body image and size, so that you do not convey any fat prejudice. Encourage thinking about the pressures in our society and by media to be thin, and whether this is such a healthy ideal. If you feel comfortable doing so, think about the ways you personally are affected by pressures to be thin. Share these with the person in a supportive manner. It will help you to understand their struggle, and they might feel less shameful or uncomfortable talking about their situation.
It is important that you do not take on the role of a therapist. Do only what you feel comfortable with and capable of. It is often helpful for family members or friends to get some support for themselves if they feel the need. You need to take care of yourself while dealing with your friend/family member.
National Eating
Disorder Information Centre 
NNFED
NNFED
ZINE