How to Help someone with anorexia?

Question

There's this girl at my school, who I'm not really close to, but we've known each other for about 2 years. We talk rarely, but when we do, we're both friendly. She's really pretty and was in perfect shape, being into soccer and tennis. She did have a lot of leg muscle, but it didn't look bad at all. There has been a rumor that she has become anorexic, and before you tell me that rumors are never true, it does really seem like it. She has bony legs now with no muscle, her skin is really pale and unhealthy looking and you can see her veins in her hands and legs. She really does look different. Even though we're not close friends, I still consider her as a friend and I'm really concerned about her because she really was perfect before. What could I do to help?

Answer 1

I think it's really caring of you to be concerned.  You sound like a very good person who wants to help out a friend.  The problem is, eating disorders can be very touchy subjects.  Often times, a person with an eating disorder will deny that she has a problem, and may even become defensive if confronted.  I think your best bet would be to contact a school counselor or teacher with your concerns.  I went through a similar situation, although i was on the other side.  I was the one with the eating disorder, and my friend was the concerned one.  She confronted a teacher  with her concerns, and although i was angry at first, i will be forever grateful to her. The fact that she told someone enabled me to face my problems and get help. I still struggle today, but i am doing much better.  If my friend hadn't told someone, who knows where i would be.  Eating disorders are dangerous, and need to be dealt with. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to have the willpower to want to recover.  But by telling an adult, you can help get your friend the treatment she needs.

Take care