How to help someone with an eating disorder

However, your support is important. You're already helping them by reading this page to find out what you can do!

The first and most important step in aiding recovery is speaking to a GP. The sooner someone with an eating disorder begins receiving professional help, the sooner they can start to get better.

That said, taking the step of seeking professional help isn't an easy one and can feel daunting for someone with an eating disorder. You could offer to accompany them to see a professional, which might help them begin the journey to recovery. 

There are other great ways you can help support someone listed below.

How to help someone with an eating disorder

Stay involved in their life

Even though they might be going through a difficult time and it might be hard to sometimes know what to say, try and keep things normal. Invite them to spend time with you, and if they're not feeling up to doing so, then at least they know you care. It can help them feel valued to be included. 

Avoid judgement

It can be frustrating to witness someone you care about live with an eating disorder. You might feel helpless and upset. However, try to remember than an eating disorder can't be 'turned off' and that they are psychologically complex illnesses. 

Offer a listening ear

Even if you don't fully understand what they're going through, listening is still helpful. It helps someone with an eating disorder feel less isolated. They might express how they feel overweight or how they need to not eat, and while it can be difficult to hear try to remember that it's the illness talking. You don't have to offer solutions to problems or give advice, just listen and respond with something like 'it must be really tough to feel that way.'

Build them up

Tell them you care about them, what you love about them, and why they are important to you. Hearing positive things about themselves can help them feel better.