Help and Information Concerning Anorexia

Help & Information Concerning Anorexia

How can family and friends help?

The most important thing that family and friends can do to help a person with anorexia is to unconditionally love them. Talk to physicians and/or counselors for help in determining the best way to approach and deal with the situation. People with anorexia will beg and lie to avoid eating and gaining weight; it means giving up the illness and giving up the control. Family and friends should not give in to the pleadings of an anorexic patient, but should not nag them incessantly. Anorexia is an illness that can not be controlled by simple willpower - but rather needs professional guidance. Most important, support the individual without supporting their actions.

For more information:

You can find out more about eating disorders and other mental disorders by contacting the following organizations:

National Mental Health Information Center, SAMHSA, HHS
   Phone: (800) 789-2647
   Internet Address: http://www.mentalhealth.org/
Weight Control Information Network, NIDDK, NIH, HHS
   Phone: (877) 946-4627
   Internet Address: http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/nutrit/win.htm
Anorexia Nervosa and Related Eating Disorders, Inc.
   Phone: (541) 344-1144
   Internet Address: http://www.anred.com/
National Eating Disorders Association.
   Phone: (800) 931-2237
   Internet Address: http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org