If you’re concerned that a friend might have an issue that requires professional help, it can be difficult to raise the issue with them. You may worry you’ll say the wrong thing, that it’s none of your business, or that you’re insulting the person.
Often people with such serious issues deny or don’t realize there’s a problem, but that doesn’t mean they’re not ill. They thrive on secrecy, and countless people who are in recovery agree that breaking the silence is the right thing to do, even if they didn’t feel that way at the time. The sooner someone can get treatment, the greater their chance of a full and sustained recovery.
Here are some things you can do when talking to someone you’re worried about:
Think about what you want to say and make sure you feel informed.
Choose a place where you both feel safe and won’t be disturbed. If you’re one of several people who have felt concerned, don’t talk to the person together as they may feel you’re ambushing them. Decide who they are most likely to open up to.
Choose a time when neither of you feels angry or upset. Avoid any time just before or after meals.
Have some information with you that you can refer to if you’re able to. You could share it with them, or leave it with them to look at by themselves.
Try not to centre the conversation around what they might be going through. While it may be necessary to bring this up to explain why you’re worried, these may be things they’re particularly sensitive about. At their roots, eating disorders are about what the person is feeling rather than how they’re treating food.
Mention things that have concerned you, but try to avoid listing too many things as they may feel like they have been “watched”.
Try not to back them into a corner or use language that could feel accusatory. “I wondered if you’d like to talk about how you’re feeling” is a gentler approach than “You need to get help”, for example.
They may be angry and defensive. Try to avoid getting angry in response, and don’t be disheartened or put off. Reassure them that you’ll be there when they’re ready, and that your concern is their wellbeing.
Don’t wait too long before approaching them again. It might feel even harder than the first conversation, especially if they didn’t react well, but if you’re still worried, keeping quiet about it won’t help. Remember, eating disorders thrive on secrecy.
If they acknowledge that they need help, encourage them to seek it as quickly as possible. Offer to go with them if they would find that helpful.