Blog Moving

What's Eating Amy is moving...

The new address is http://eatingdisorderinfo.holistictherapyoc.com/

Sorry for the inconvenience, but I hope you come over to the new address.

Katie
http://www.holisitictherapyoc.com

How to Ask for Help

I think one of the hardest parts of recovery from Eating Disorders is asking for help.

Taking that first step can seem overwhelming when you feel like there's no end in sight. When you've been living with an eating disorder, things can seem pretty hopeless.

You may feel like there's no way things will ever get better...

Or maybe you feel like you're not even sure you want to stop doing the things you have relied on for so long...

Maybe you've cut yourself off from the people around you. Or maybe you feel like you don't deserve to be helped.

You do.

You deserve help.

Things don't have to stay the way they are. You deserve help and you deserve to get better.

Is there someone in your life who is supportive? Maybe it's mom, or dad, or a sister, or brother, or friend, teacher, pastor, or even a doctor? Someone who has reached out to you in the past, maybe before you were ready?

Or maybe, you just search the internet. There are people who specialize in helping people with eating disorders all over the country. Do a google search. Visit edreferral.com or anad.org or something-fishy.org.

Sometimes, the thought of having to tell someone face-to-face can seem impossible.

So call someone on the phone. Write a note. Write an email. Send a text...

It doesn't matter how you ask for help, what matters is that you ask for help.

You may not realize it, or believe it, but there are people out there who want to help you.

You deserve help. You deserve to feel better.

Katie

What should I do if I think someone I know has anorexia?

Tips for talking to a friend who may be struggling with an eating disorder.

If you are worried about your friend's eating behaviors and attitudes, it is important to express your concerns in a supportive and loving way. It is also necessary to discuss your concerns early on, rather than waiting until your friend has endured many of the damaging emotional and physical effects of eating disorders.

In a private and relaxed setting, talk to your friend in a calm and caring way about the specific things you have seen or felt that have caused you to worry.

What to say step-by-step

1. Set a time to talk. Set aside a time to talk privately with your friend. Make sure you talk in a quiet place where you won't be distracted.
2. Tell your friend about your concerns. Be honest. Tell your friend about your worries about her or his not eating or over exercising. Tell your friend you are concerned and that you think these things may be a sign of a problem that needs professional help.
3. Ask your friend to talk to a professional. Your friend can talk to a counselor or doctor who knows about eating issues. Offer to help your friend find a counselor or doctor and make an appointment, and offer to go with her or him to the appointment.
4. Avoid conflicts. If your friend won't admit that she or he has a problem, don't push. Be sure to tell your friend you are always there to listen if she or he wants to talk.
5. Don't place shame, blame, or guilt on your friend. Don't say, "You just need to eat." Instead, say things like, "I'm concerned about you because you won't eat breakfast or lunch." Or, "It makes me afraid to hear you throwing up."
6. Don't give simple solutions. Don't say, "If you'd just stop, then things would be fine!"
7. Let your friend know that you will always be there no matter what.

From the National Eating Disorders Association.

Katie Goode, LMFT

Anorexia's Effect on the Body

I found this illustration of the effect of Anorexia on the different organs of the body at http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/anorexia-nervosa.cfm

Katie Goode, LMFT