How do you help someone who is anerexic?

Answer 1

The best thing to do is to have the person suffering from anorexia get professional help. This is generally both medical and mental. As a friend or family member, you should let the person know that you are there to support them, that you love them no matter what, and that you care for them. It is hard to recover from any eating disorder, especially anorexia. And it is important for the anorexic to know that they have people who love and care for them, who only want the best for them. Do not confront them harshly about eating, as they may become defensive or retaliate. Don't try to force feed them, or give them high-calorie or fatty or sugary foods. Try to associate happier things with eating, such as a lunch party outing. Share some meals that they like or will eat with them, and keep conversations light and fun. Try not to talk about food or health too much.

Answer 2

First, it would help to be reasonably sure that your friend is suffering with anorexia. Are you sure that is what the problem is? If your friend is not seeking help (first and most critically from a medical doctor, and if that's in place, with a therapist as well) then I would gently and constantly remind your friend that professional help is absolutely necessary. I wouldn't let up. You can be gentle, and it doesn't have to be the subject of everything you talk about, but don't let a day go by. Anorexia is potentially life-threatening, and there is help. If your friend refuses to get help then make sure that your friend's parents are aware of your concern, and I'd talk with your friend's teachers or school counselors as well. If people get upset with you, that's not necessarily a bad thing. It will mean that they know there is a serious problem. If your friend is already getting medical and counseling help, the best you can do is just be a friend. Don't accept it when your friend says negative things about her/his body size or appearance. In response, tell your friend the truth as you see it; "you are too light; you need to put weight on; your condition is not healthy. You do not need to lose weight-- you need to put weight on to be healthier." Not to be neglected by you: Please, be aware that your friend is making her/his own decisions. Be a friend, but don't take on an emotional burden that does not belong to you. You are (presumably, from the nature of the question) NOT in charge of your friend's life or responsible for your friend's care or well-being. Telling the truth, and holding reality up to the light of day-- that's what friends do. It is not your job to make yourself sick over this, or to take over your friend's emotional life. Ans) Help your friend recognize her problem. Convince her to take some expert advice and professional help. Also, it is vital for to go under therapy. Anorexia is a problem which is much more than food and weight. Once she goes for anorexia treatment she has high chances to recover from it. You can avail more information about anorexia at: http://www.eatingdisorder.com/anorexia-nervosa-treatment.html .

Answer 3

I don't really know, I submitted this question, all I know is Chewing Gum- makes you feel hungry, so might encourage them to eat- and support, please add to my answer.

Well my friend is going through this situation...and actually I was hopeing for some edvise myself..But I think you should let them know that you don't see anything wrong with them, and that U love them no-matter-what!. My friend just feels like she's not good enough 4 the world, and telling them their beautiful may just be repeting all the stuff they've already heard! So stay honest because U never know when they're about to break!.# # I have a friend that is going through the same thing shes always trying to get out of eating. The only thing to do is be a friend. Listen to what they have to say and don't treat them with harsh words that will only make it worse. Understand that this is no easy thing to overcome and make sure that they know that if they stumble a little on the way to getting better its ok cuz this is a really hard thing to go through.

Answer 4

eat some freekin food!!!!!!!!!!!!! Actually telling your friend to just eat is only going to make it worse they have to know that you care about them. YOu have to be there for them.

Answer 5

The best things you can do (assuming it is a friend or family member of yours) is encourage them to get better. This often means professional / medical intervention. Only doctors and professionals can truly help them get better. You can encourage a friend to get treatment. Be careful, though, as this is a delicate area for your friend. Don't be too blunt or "out" them publically. Telling them the dangers probably won't help, as they most likely already know or have experienced them. If they will talk to you, listen to what they have to say. Don't pass judgement. Don't force them to eat. Make sure that your friend's close family (parents, sibling, ect.) is in on the circle of support. Ask if they want others to know, like close friends of yours. If not, respect their wishes and don't tell others. You will gain your friend's trust, and that could be helpful for recovery down the road. Be careful about all body, food, and weight comments are your friend. Don't be a food police, watching what they eat and demanding that they eat more. What your friend most needs is a good friend who will support and help them, someone that they can trust.

Answer 6

The best thing that you can do for a friend or family memeber who suffers from anorexia is to give them support. If possible, try to get them into a medical or rehab facility where they can receive the proper help that they need to get better. DO NOT confront them, make harsh accusastion, or force them to eat. This might only cause them to isolate or retaliate even more, and you could lose your bond with that person. Instead, let them know that you care, that you want them to be healthy and happy, and that you are there for them. If they open up or tell you that they do not want many others to know or anything else, don't betray the trust they have given you. Be the best that you can be to make sure that they know that they have you to lean on and to support them all the way, because that it what someone needs when going throguh recovery for anorexia.

Answer 7

Tell them they look worse too skinny than they do fat and that they are at risk of serious illness or even death. Tell them that they are beautiful, but WAYY too skinny. get them professsional help.

Answer 8

The only true, best help they can get is from a medical professional. But, as a friend or family member, always be there to support them. Make sure they know that you love them and only want for them to gte better and to be healthy. Don't be too assertive or pushy, as that can easily offend them and make them isolate and shun you more.

Answer 9

you must get them to see they have an illness. people suffering with anorexia will not admit they are suffering, and without them accepting they are ill and wanting to get better, there is not much you can do, just do your best to support and love them. medical help is required too, and try not to get mad at them. Anorexia is a mental illness and it is not the sufferers intention to hurt themselves or anyone else. It is inside their head and you must acknowledge that.