How to support a friend with an eating disorder

If you have a friend with an eating disorder, you may be wondering how you can best support them. With information and guidance, you can do a great deal to helping them with their recovery.

What you can do for a friend experiencing an eating disorder:

• Listen without judgement and show compassion
  Suffering from an eating disorder can be a very lonely, distressing and confusing experience. One of the most effective ways you can support a person with an eating disorder is telling them that you care and that you will always be there to support them.
• Keep informed
  Seeking out information and being willing to learn about eating disorders is one of the best things you can do for your friend or loved one. The more educated you are, the more you’ll be able to empathise and understand what they are going through, which may help you to better support them and yourself.
• Be patient
  Eating disorders are complicated and recovery can take some time. Most people experiencing an eating disorder sense that something needs to change in their life, but thinking about making a change and possibly breaking free from the disorder can also seem terrifying and for some, unimaginable. It is important to remind yourself that your friend does not want to be unwell. There is no specific timeframe for recovery.
• Encourage them to seek professional help
  Overcoming an eating disorder can be very difficult without assistance, so accessing professional help is essential. Unsure where to start? Robina Private Hospital has a comprehensive eating disorder service offering a range of evidence-based treatment options for adolescents and adults with an eating disorder aimed to assist with recovery.