How to confront someone who has an eating disorder
|
| C |
Concern |
The reason you are confronting: you care about the mental, physical and nutritional needs of the person |
| O |
Organize |
Decide who is involved; where to confront; why are you concerned about the person; how to talk to them; choose a convenient time |
| N |
Needs |
What will the parent/victim of an eating disorder need after the confrontation? Professional help and/or support groups need to be available. |
| F |
Face |
The actual confrontation. Be empathetic, but direct. Do not back down if initially the parent/ victim denies problem. |
R |
Respond |
By listening carefully |
| O |
Offer |
Help and suggestions. You may want to encourage parent/victim of eating disorder to contact you when the need to talk to someone arises. |
| N |
Negotiate |
Another time to talk and a time span to seek professional help |
T |
Time |
Remember to stress that recovery takes time and patience. However, the parent/victim of an eating disorder has a lot to gain by that process and a lot to lose if parent/victim chooses to remain in denial. |
|
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When
confronting a parent/person with eating disorders, it is important to have a plan. It can be difficult due to denial. However, if a person does deny the problem, the seed has been planted. At some time in the future, the problem will be recognized and admitted. Remember: they need not to feel guilty - either about having or being a parent, friend, spouse or friend of person with an eating disorder. |
