Eating Disorders

Dear Let’s Talk About It,

My best friend called last night & told me that she has been struggling with an eating disorder for almost four years. We spend a lot of time together as our daughters are the same age & I can’t believe that I didn’t notice. What can I do or say to help her through this? B.B.

Eating disorders and disordered eating are more common than people may realize. It is estimated that one in a hundred American women binges and purges to lose weight. Briefly, eating disorders are a broad range of behaviors and beliefs, where a person is so preoccupied with food and/or weight that it causes significant distress in their lives. It is uncertain the exact cause but may be influenced by bio-psycho-social factors, meaning; genetics, emotional health and cultural and/or social influences. In fact, it is not always easy to see that someone has an eating disorder such as you mentioned about your friend. They may look like they are at a healthy weight or even overweight. But it is less about actual appearance and more about their eating behaviors and beliefs about their body and/or appearance. So as a friend what can you do to help support her through this struggle? The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) suggests to first, learn more about eating disorders, especially the type your friend may struggle with. This way you can understand more about what to look for and what it’s all about. Second, be honest. Talk openly about your concern for your friend, ignoring it will not help her. Third, be caring but firm. It’s important to be supportive and compassionate but help her to take responsibility for her actions and behaviors. Ultimately, it is her that will need to take the steps to recovery. Lastly, you may want to help her explore treatment options and how to access them before her eating disorder gets to the point where it becomes life threatening. For local resources contact the Ulster County Eating Disorders Coalition at (845) 339-9090 x115 or on the web at www.eatingdisordersny.com.