- Don't
try to solve the person's problem on your own
- Learn
everything you can about eating disorders
- Point
out signs/symptoms you've noticed that have caused you to be concerned
- Encourage
person to get professional help as soon as possible and inform them
of resources available on and off campus (contact the Counseling Center
for more information)
- Tell the
person you want to help and let the person know you care
- Pick the
right time and place to discuss concerns with the person (free of distractions)
- Be patient
- Avoid
arguments or "battles of will" with the person
- Don't
"nag" about eating or not eating--don't be forceful
- Don't
agree to keep the person's eating disorder a "secret" when the person's
health and/or thinking is impaired
- Avoid
making comments about the person's appearance
- Limit
discussions about food or labeling foods as "good" or "bad"
- Do be
available to listen to the person in times of distress
- Reach
out to the person as a friend instead of focusing on the person's eating
behavior
Eating
Disorders: Signs and Symptoms
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