Question

What happens when you encounter a friend or relative who clearly has a problem, such as an eating disorder, and doesn't want to talk about it? Do you back off? Do you push ahead and offer advice? Do you offer to listen and wait for the person to come to you for help? How would you feel if you "just waited" and the person deteriorated? Anorexia and bulimia are difficult disorders to deal with, even for professionals; typically waiting it out is not an option, while insisting that the person get help is likely to result in their withdrawal. You're stuck between that proverbial "rock and a hard place."

Take a look at the assigned reading put out by the Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAND). Please give your thoughts about what you believe to be the best way to approach eating disorders. Choose one item listed under the “do” and one item listed under the “don’t” and explain, in detail, why the item might be something to do or not do. Using additional resources, explain other approaches to helping people with eating disorders. Provide examples to enhance your explanation.

Answer 1

Whenever I encounter a friend or relative who clearly has a problem, such as an eating disorder(Anorexia), and doesn't want to talk about it, I make sure that I initiate the conversation.I do not back off. I do ask for the reasons that Why she doesnot eat properly and she is underweight.I advice her to see a counsellor/psychologist or a psychiatrist for the problems she has been facing for long now.I an an active listener, so I patiently listen and wait for her convenience to dshare about the issue.I do ot force my opinions on her.The best way to approach is to consult a professional who would find out the actual reason for the eating disorder.

People with anorexia have abnormally low body weight, intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted perception of weight or shape.It is evident that many people with eating disorders may not think they need treatment.The one thing that comes under the 'do' list is the help she needs for understanding her behaviour.And under the don't category, I would ask her not to feel pressure from peers about her present condition.I would ask her to stay calm and introspect.

Good Luck!