Help for Friends and Family

It is very difficult to watch someone you love locked in a struggle against themselves but there is no single right way to deal with an eating disorder. However we can offer a few helpful guidelines.

· Never force feed as this will only make you an enemy.

· Try not to make threats. E.g. if you don’t finish this I will leave you.

· Do not criticise them there self-esteem is already rock bottom.

· Reassure them of your love for them.

· Pay them plenty of compliments on things they have achieved.

· Give them support e.g. attend support groups with them.

· Talk about your concerns, don’t hide them.

· Don’t fight against them because they are already fighting an illness

· Do not treat them like a child.

· Avoid focusing on how they look

· Set rules on what is acceptable and what is not.

· Do not use scare tactics.

· Do not interfere when the treatment is underway.

· Provide them with information for help like treatment providers name and phone numbers.