Explains eating problems, including possible causes and how you can access treatment and support. Includes tips for helping yourself, and guidance for friends and family.
You may feel very worried if you think that someone you care about has an eating problem. It may feel difficult to know how to talk to them about it or how to deal with their changes in mood. You might have already tried to offer support, but found that the person you're worried about is unwilling or unable to accept help. This can make you feel powerless, frustrated and angry.
In fact there are lots of helpful things you can do:
"People never seem to understand what it is. I've had it said that I'm 'scared of food', or that it's not really a disorder – that I'm 'just being fussy' – both of which really trivialise how it feels for me."
"She would drive to my sixth form college everyday to help me eat. She wouldn't push me or tell me to eat, she would just sit there patiently and be with me at that difficult time in the day. She would also be with me as I had panic attacks after meals."
"It was a huge sacrifice on my Dad's part as he gave up a lot of aspects of his life."
This information was published in June 2017. We will revise it in 2020.
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