Watching someone you care about slowing killing themselves with food, or the lack of it, can be extremely frightening. Feelings of distress, anger, confusion, and guilt are not uncommon.

What can you do?

If you believe someone you care about is suffering from an eating disorder, talk to them about it. Your ultimate goal should be to encourage him/her to seek professional help.

It is important that you are prepared to face be with an array of reactions. The person you are confronting may become angry, embarrassed, and most likely, defensive. Hopefully, he/she will also feel relief that someone cares so much about them to notice that things are out of hand. Pressure is not what is needed at this time--listening and offering to assist them in reaching out for help is.

If the person you are confronting is significantly over/under weight and is medical jeopardy, you may need to take control and get them immediate help (via their doctor/hospital).

It is important that you remember that ultimately there is only so much you can do. Offer to listen. Offer to help make calls to facilities. Offer to drive them to the treatment center. But DON'T offer your own well-being and sanity. Don't lose yourself in their problem.

BOTTOM LINE -- Arm yourself with knowledge and courage to discuss your concerns and then accept that only he/she can decide to get help and find recovery.

If you need some support or have any questions, please feel free to contact our staff. We are here to help. We have professional intervention counselors available to help you with this process and work in conjunction with you and your family for the purpose of getting your loved one to seek treatment and find recovery.