These disorders are very complex, and this post does not take into account the unique circumstances for every individual. As a therapist, you know that what you say might not always be what is heard. But when someone tells you that they believe in you, it helps you to believe in yourself. Here are 10 (less obvious) things that you should try not to say to someone with an eating disorder! Iâve got 10 things you CAN say to someone recovering from an eating disorder, to help you get an idea of how to stand by your friend, child, sibling, or anyone else struggling to recover from this destructive illness. Post author: shortstuffblog Post published: December 23, 2020 Post category: Mental & Physical Health / Seasons Post comments: 0 Comments Someone has anorexia, they're not an anorexic. Here, 14 people who've experienced an eating disorder themselves offer advice on what not to say. It'll get better, it just takes time. Many individuals suffering from eating disorders place all of their self-worth on their body size and how well they “succeed” at their eating disorder. “Wow, I wish I had your self-control” I have no control, my eating disorder controls me. If you are struggling with your recovery, or need treatment, donât hesitate to call Center For Discover immediately with any questions at 800.760.3934. ", "I might not understand, but if you need someone to talk to, I will help as much as I can. And you don't understand an eating disorder just because you dieted for a month to lose weight. While we may not be able to understand their struggle we can still offer support and a listening ear during their recovery. Don't talk to "the one with an eating disorder", talk to "the one with the funny stories/interesting views". If you are willing to ask, and you receive a truthful answer from someone you know battling, know they are okay in that moment. Someone has an eating disorder, no one is an eating disorder. Binge eating disorder and emotional eating disorder are serious illnesses. Tell them that they're good at those little things. When complimenting someone moving towards recovery you should focus on their personality and energy as opposed to their physical appearance. Instead, focus on being more supportive going forward. Don't ask how eating is going all the time. Call now and speak to one of our highly trained admission specialists today. From my personal experience, here are some things that you shouldn’t say to someone with an Eating Disorder (ED): Don’t tell someone they are too fat to have an ED. If this happens, try to remain calm, focused, and respectful. An eating disorder is about so much more than food. For example, saying “you look really happy today” would be more affirming. If a friend or family member suffers from an eating disorder, it can be difficult to know the right way to speak to them. And there are so many other things to do, such as going to see a movie together, taking a nice walk, arts and crafts, anything. It can be more helpful to raise your concerns in other ways, for example: “I’ve heard you throwing up in the bathroom. Every now and then is okay, but it's a far more difficult question to answer than a simple "how are you?". The answer is in some ways quite simple; reassurance and love are the two dominating factors when it comes to helping anyone with mental health issues. Know that it’s not as simple as what to eat. With the support of family and friends, chances of a full recovery are so much bigger than without that essential support. For specific questions about your health needs or that of a loved one, seek the help of a healthcare professional. They will not be influenced solely by words if it is a serious eating disorder. 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