How to Help Someone with an Eating Disorder

You can help loved ones cope with an eating disorder by encouraging them to seek help and by offering support.

Using these helpful tips can help guide you through these conversations.

Do help someone with an eating disorder with these tips

• Express empathy (“That must be really scary and overwhelming.”)
• Be honest and vocal about your concerns (“You matter to me, and I’m worried about you.”)
• Be a good role model regarding eating and dieting (“I will eat meals with you.”)
• Help them find professional support (“Let’s work together to find you help.”)
• Let them know treatment is effective (“There are lots of options, and we will find one that works for you.”)
• Be caring and firm (“Recovery is hard. I will support you.”)
• Pay attention to the individual and be inclusive (“I appreciate you being here with us”)
• Learn as much as you can about eating disorders

Don’t say these things to someone with an eating disorder

• Blame (“It’s all in your head.”)
• Shame (“Other people have problems too.”)
• Make rules or promises you cannot or will not uphold (“If you stop this behavior, I will buy you something special.”)
• Give simple solutions (“You just need to eat.”)
• Invalidate someone’s experience or try to convince (“It can’t be that hard.”)
• Ignore or avoid the situation until it is severe or life-threatening