Tackling The Problem Of Eating Disorder

If you feel that someone you know may have an eating disorder then you should, delicately, approach the subject with them. Do it in private, choose your words carefully to avoid anything negative and express the worries that you have for them. Do not be surprised if they do not want to talk about it. Often, eating disorders go hand in hand with some intense emotions and, as the sufferer may well have gone to great lengths to hide their disorder, there may be some embarrassment as well. If they shut down, deny it or even get angry, make them aware that if there is a problem you are always there for them and hopefully they will come to you when they are ready. There is absolutely no point in you getting angry or making ultimatums - this will only serve to push them further away from you and less likely to allow you into their thoughts.

The important thing to know is that there are plenty of treatments available for those with eating disorders. The right treatment for you must focus on both the physical and psychological elements of the disorder if it has a chance of working. The ultimate goal is to address your medical or nutritional needs, reintroduce you to a healthy relationship with food, and instil the strength you’ll need to cope with life’s challenges. One or more of the following may well be the way forward for you:

Nutritional counselling

Education and planning are the name of the game here. Many people do not know how much nourishment their body needs just to function. Nutritional counselling will show you what you should be eating, help you to plan your diet and empower you to set your weight targets for the future.

Support groups

You are not alone. Many with eating disorders feel that they are alone and that nobody else could possibly understand the way they feel. Support groups run by recovered and recovering sufferers are a safe place to discuss your disorder and thrash out issues, advice and coping strategies.

Psychotherapy

Individual or group therapy run by professionals can help you to face your eating disorder, work on self-esteem issues, and learn healthy ways to eat and tackle life’s road bumps.

Residential treatment