What if I want to know if someone close to me is having an eating disorder -
She is one of my best friend - and because I know how damaging Eds are; i am really worried about her.
All she wants is to spend her time in the gym - eat only "healthy food" - she is also obsessed with scale and numbers - she refuses to eat anything out of what she labels as "healthy".
The problem is that recently she likes to make fun on others on the ground of their body/appearance, accepting them if only they are "healthy" or "gym guys".
When we try to talk about any topic, she only notices and talks about other's body and shape - nothing else.
I don't want to be tough with her but really worry about what is going on.
I do think your friend might be struggling. I had a friend like this who later strongly influenced my eating disorder. My first piece of advice is, put yourself first. You can be there for her of course but you cannot believe anything she says. I had the most amazing relationship with food (not so much my body) when I met this “friend” and her words and actions destroyed me. And I don’t blame her fully but with her around me every single day, it wasn’t beneficial, and this won’t be beneficial to you either. I’m in no way saying, oh ditch her! No way, social support is really important with eds especially recovery but make sure you keep YOUR health in mind.
My second piece of advice is, gently expressing concern or debunk her words and thoughts. Everything she’s saying is nonsense and not true, you could maybe try explain that to her in a friend-like way, from the good of your heart. She seems to be struggling so express your concern now before it’s too late, you could be saving her life.
I’m just going from experience and what I’ve witnessed in me saying she could be struggling! She could also be doing amazing! But from what I’ve read it’s not likely. You can be there for her in this journey while also being there for yourself. If it’s too much for you, you could tell a friend or someone that has resources to help her too, you do not have to take the situation into your hands.
Thanks a lot for sharing your beautiful and useful words. I have already taken a distance from her since I realised how much her behaviours would affect my progress.
I am trying to put myself first and I don't want to relapse or even think about my old killing habits again.
What if I want to know if someone close to me is having an eating disorder -
She is one of my best friend - and because I know how damaging Eds are; i am really worried about her.
All she wants is to spend her time in the gym - eat only "healthy food" - she is also obsessed with scale and numbers - she refuses to eat anything out of what she labels as "healthy".
The problem is that recently she likes to make fun on others on the ground of their body/appearance, accepting them if only they are "healthy" or "gym guys".
When we try to talk about any topic, she only notices and talks about other's body and shape - nothing else.
I don't want to be tough with her but really worry about what is going on.
I do think your friend might be struggling. I had a friend like this who later strongly influenced my eating disorder. My first piece of advice is, put yourself first. You can be there for her of course but you cannot believe anything she says. I had the most amazing relationship with food (not so much my body) when I met this “friend” and her words and actions destroyed me. And I don’t blame her fully but with her around me every single day, it wasn’t beneficial, and this won’t be beneficial to you either. I’m in no way saying, oh ditch her! No way, social support is really important with eds especially recovery but make sure you keep YOUR health in mind.
My second piece of advice is, gently expressing concern or debunk her words and thoughts. Everything she’s saying is nonsense and not true, you could maybe try explain that to her in a friend-like way, from the good of your heart. She seems to be struggling so express your concern now before it’s too late, you could be saving her life.
I’m just going from experience and what I’ve witnessed in me saying she could be struggling! She could also be doing amazing! But from what I’ve read it’s not likely. You can be there for her in this journey while also being there for yourself. If it’s too much for you, you could tell a friend or someone that has resources to help her too, you do not have to take the situation into your hands.
I hope this finds you well x
Thanks a lot for sharing your beautiful and useful words. I have already taken a distance from her since I realised how much her behaviours would affect my progress.
I am trying to put myself first and I don't want to relapse or even think about my old killing habits again.
Thanks again. Wish you the best.