Anorexia Nervosa

Home , Anorexia nervosa, Emotional eating, Purging disorder

ADDITIONAL DID YOU KNOW... • Eating disorders can affect anyone. People of all ages, genders, socioeconomic statuses, sexual The Alliance for RESOURCES* orientations, races and ethnicities can suffer from Eating Disorders Awareness an eating disorder. National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) • Over 30 million Americans experience a clinically your path to recovery... www.nationaleatingdisorders.org significant eating disorder during their lifetime. 800.931.2237 • Eating disorders have the highest mortality The Academy for Eating Disorders (AED) rate of any mental illness, with nearly 1 person www.aedweb.org dying every hour as a direct result of their eating 847.498.4274 disorder. Eating Disorders Coalition (EDC) • 13% of women over the age of 50 have symptoms www.eatingdisorderscoalition.org of an eating disorder. WHAT ARE Binge Eating Disorders Association (BEDA) • 30-50% of individuals with Anorexia Nervosa, www.bedaonline.com nearly half of those with Bulimia Nervosa, and nearly half of those with BED have a comorbid International Association of Eating Disorders mood disorder. Professionals (IAEDP) EATING • Nearly 1 in 10 BED patients have a comorbid www.iaedp.com substance abuse disorder. • 30% of higher weight patients attempting to lose weight in clinical settings meet diagnostic SUGGESTED criteria for Binge Eating Disorder and/or Bulimia DISORDERS? Nervosa. READING* • Only about one third of people ever receive treatment for their eating disorder. 8 Keys to Recovery from an Eating Disorder • Full recovery from an eating disorder is possible. Eating disorders involve Carolyn Costin, MA, Med, MFT Early detection and intervention are important. serious disturbances in Crave: Why You Binge Eat and How to Stop • Help is available and recovery is possible. Cynthia M. Bulik, Ph.D. eating behaviors, such as

Eating in the Light of the Moon extreme and unhealthy Anita Johnston, Ph.D. reduction of food intake or Goodbye ED, Hello Me! severe overeating, as well as Jenni Schaefer FOR MORE feelings of extreme concern Life Beyond Your Eating Disorder about body shape or weight. Johanna S. Kandel INFORMATION

The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness Phone: (866) 662-1235 The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness does not Fax: (561) 653-0043 www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com recommend or endorse any of the organizations, websites www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com (866) 662-1235 * or books listed above. www.findedhelp.com WHAT ARE BINGE EATING DISORDER HOW TO HELP A Binge Eating Disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of overeating in a rapid manner, when not EATING DISORDERS? hungry, and often until extreme fullness. The bingeing LOVED ONE

Eating disorders involve serious disturbances in eating episodes are marked by distress and lack of control behaviors, such as extreme and unhealthy reduction of followed by feelings of shame, guilt, and depression. DO food intake or severe overeating, as well as feelings of It occurs, on average, at least once a week over three • Learn about eating disorders extreme concern about body shape or weight. Eating months. Eight percent of American adults suffer disorders do not discriminate between ages, genders, from Binge Eating Disorder in their lifetime and • Find an appropriate time and place to talk to the socioeconomic statuses, sexual orientations, races and approximately half of the risk for developing BED individual in private ethnicities. Eating disorders include Anorexia Nervosa, is genetic. • Communicate your concerns using “I” statements Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder, Other Specified • Stress the importance of professional and Feeding or Eating Disorder, and Avoidant/Restrictive specialized help Food Intake Disorder. • Take care of your own mental, physical, and emotional health Eating Disorders are complex biopsychosocial illnesses OTHER SPECIFIED that have serious emotional and physical consequences. • Validate your loved one’s feelings, struggles, and While 60% of the contributing factors stem from a FEEDING OR EATING accomplishments and express your support genetic component, genes alone do not predict who will DISORDERS (OSFED) develop an eating disorder. DON’T Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED) are characterized as disturbances in eating behavior • Don’t be scared that do not meet full criteria for Anorexia Nervosa, • Don’t engage in a power struggle ANOREXIA NERVOSA Bulimia Nervosa, or Binge Eating Disorder, but involve • Don’t attempt to solve or “fix” their problems maladaptive thoughts and behaviors related to food, Anorexia Nervosa is characterized by an obsessive fear eating, and body image. They may include, but are not • Don’t comment on calorie/food intake, weight, of weight gain, refusal to maintain a healthy body limited to Atypical Anorexia Nervosa, Purging Disorder, appearance, etc. weight, and distorted body image. Individuals with and Night Eating Syndrome. OSFED affects up to six Anorexia Nervosa may restrict caloric intake or purge • Don’t expect recovery to be perfect percent of the population and causes clinically significant calories through self-induced vomiting, compulsive distress or impairment of daily functioning. • Don’t blame yourself or your loved ones exercise, or laxative/diuretic abuse. Restriction of • Don’t promise to keep it a secret energy intake, relative to an individual’s requirements, leads to a significantly low body weight that can cause severe medical complications. Anorexia Nervosa AVOIDANT/RESTRICTIVE has the highest mortality rate among all psychiatric FOOD INTAKE DISORDER illnesses, with 1 in 5 deaths resulting from suicide. GETTING HELP (ARFID) BULIMIA NERVOSA If you think you or someone you know may Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is be experiencing an eating disorder, please seek specialized, professional help as soon as possible. Bulimia Nervosa is characterized by episodes of a clinically significant eating or feeding disturbance Eating disorders are a serious mental illness binging (consuming a large amount of food in a characterized by a failure to meet appropriate nutritional but full and lasting recovery is possible with short period of time) and purging (eliminating needs. Individuals with ARFID exhibit a general lack specialized treatment. calorie consumption) at least once a week for three of interest in eating or food, food avoidance based months. Methods of purging may include self-induced on sensory characteristics, or concern about adverse For more information on how to receive vomiting, compulsive exercise, laxative use, diuretic consequences of eating unrelated to body image or help, please log on to www.findedhelp.com, use, insulin misuse, and/or diet pill use. Behaviors are weight concerns. Symptoms also include nutritional www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com, typically accompanied by negative body image related deficient weight loss and interference with psychosocial or call us at 866-662-1235. to size, weight, and shape. functioning due to nutrient restriction. ADDITIONAL ABOUT THE ALLIANCE The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness is a non- The Alliance for profit organization dedicated to providing programs RESOURCES* and activities aimed at outreach, education, early Eating Disorders Awareness National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) intervention, and advocacy for all eating disorders. www.nationaleatingdisorders.org your path to recovery... 800.931.2237 Founded in October 2000, The Alliance has worked The Academy for Eating Disorders (AED) tirelessly to raise awareness; eliminate secrecy and www.aedweb.org stigma; promote access to care; and support those 847.498.4274 susceptible to, currently struggling with, and recovered Eating Disorders Coalition (EDC) from eating disorders. We create a bridge for those www.eatingdisorderscoalition.org needing and seeking help by connecting people with Binge Eating Disorders Association (BEDA) resources to assist them in recovery. www.bedaonline.com WHAT IS

International Association of Eating Disorders The Alliance offers comprehensive services, including: Professionals (IAEDP) educational presentations to schools, healthcare www.iaedp.com providers, hospitals, treatment centers, and community agencies; free, clinician-led weekly support groups BINGE for those struggling and for their loved ones; support SUGGESTED and referrals through both our free help-line and comprehensive referral website, www.findEDhelp. com; and advocacy for eating disorders and mental EATING

READING* health legislation. In August 2017, The Alliance opened Binge Control Psychological Services, which offers direct, low-cost, Cynthia Bulik, Ph.D. life-saving treatment to underinsured and uninsured Break Free From Emotional Eating adults in our community. Since its inception, The DISORDER? Geneen Roth Alliance has offered presentations on eating disorders, Crave: Why You Binge Eat and How to Stop positive body image, and self-esteem to more than Cynthia M. Bulik, Ph.D. 290,000 individuals nationwide.

End Emotional Eating Binge Eating Disorder is Jennifer Taitz, PSYD characterized by recurring Food: The Good Girl’s Drug Sunny Sea Gold episodes of binge eating, feeling out of control while Intuitive Eating FOR MORE Evelyn Tribole, RD & Elyse Resch, RD bingeing, and feeling guilt Life Beyond Your Eating Disorder and shame afterward. Johanna S. Kandel INFORMATION

EATING DISORDER? • Eating large quantities of food CRITERIA

• Sense of lack of control over eating 1. Recurrent episodes of binge eating. An episode Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is characterized by recurrent of binge eating is characterized by BOTH of the episodes of overeating in a rapid manner, when not • Eating until uncomfortably/painfully full following: hungry and often until extreme fullness. There is a • Weight gain/fluctuations Eating, in a discrete period of time (for example, sense of lack of control over eating during an episode, within any 2-hour period), an amount of food • Feelings of shame, guilt, embarrassment, where the individual feels that they cannot stop eating or that is definitely larger than most people control what or how much they are eating. Binge eating and disgust would eat in a similar period of time under similar circumstances episodes are marked by significant distress followed • Self-medicating with food by feelings of shame, guilt, and depression. It occurs, A sense of lack of control over eating during the on average, at least once a week for three months. • Eating alone/secretive eating episode (for example, a feeling that one cannot stop eating or control what or how much one is Individuals with BED do not typically use inappropriate • Hiding food eating) or unhealthy weight control behaviors such as fasting or • High levels of anxiety and/or depression purging to counteract the binges. 2. The binge-eating episodes are associated with three (or more) of the following: • Low self-esteem Eating much more rapidly than normal An estimated 3.5% of women, 2% of men, and 30% to 40% • Social isolation of those seeking weight loss treatments can be clinically Eating until feeling uncomfortably full • Lack of compensatory behaviors diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder. BED is the most Eating large amounts of food when not feeling common eating disorder among U.S. adults and affects physically hungry three times the number of those diagnosed with Anorexia Eating alone because of feeling embarrassed by Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa combined. how much one is eating

Feeling disgusted with oneself, depressed, or HEALTH very guilty afterwards 3. Marked distress regarding binge eating is present. DID YOU KNOW... COMPLICATIONS 4. The binge eating occurs, on average, at least once a week for three months. Although 70% of those who suffer from BED are (MAY INCLUDE) 5. The binge eating is not associated with the recurrent obese, not everyone who has BED is obese. use of inappropriate compensatory behavior (for • Type II Diabetes example, purging) and does not occur exclusively Approximately half of the risk for BED is genetic. • Osteoarthritis during the course of Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, or Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. • Lipid abnormalities (Including increased An estimated 3.5% of women, 2% of men, and 30% cholesterol) to 40% of those seeking weight loss treatments can be clinically diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder. • Increased blood pressure GETTING HELP • PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) Nearly half of BED patients have a comorbid mood • Chronic kidney problems If you think you or someone you know may disorder. be experiencing Binge Eating Disorder, please • Gastrointestinal problems seek specialized, professional help as soon as possible. Eating disorders are a serious mental • Heart disease More than half of BED patients have comorbid illness but full and lasting recovery is possible anxiety disorders. • Certain cancers with specialized treatment. • Gallbladder disease For more information on how to receive Full recovery from an eating disorder is possible. • Joint and muscle pain help, please log on to www.findedhelp.com, Early detection and intervention are important. www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com, • Sleep apnea or call us at 866-662-1235. ADDITIONAL ABOUT THE ALLIANCE The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness is a non- The Alliance for profit organization dedicated to providing programs RESOURCES* and activities aimed at outreach, education, early Eating Disorders Awareness National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) intervention, and advocacy for all eating disorders. www.nationaleatingdisorders.org your path to recovery... 800.931.2237 Founded in October 2000, The Alliance has worked tirelessly to raise awareness; eliminate secrecy and The Academy for Eating Disorders (AED) stigma; promote access to care; and support those www.aedweb.org susceptible to, currently struggling with, and recovered 847.498.4274 from eating disorders. We create a bridge for those needing and seeking help by connecting people with Eating Disorders Coalition (EDC) www.eatingdisorderscoalition.org resources to assist them in recovery. WHAT IS Binge Eating Disorders Association (BEDA) The Alliance offers comprehensive services, including: www.bedaonline.com educational presentations to schools, healthcare providers, hospitals, treatment centers, and community International Association of Eating Disorders agencies; free, clinician-led weekly support groups BULIMIA Professionals (IAEDP) for those struggling and for their loved ones; support www.iaedp.com and referrals through both our free help-line and comprehensive referral website, www.findEDhelp. com; and advocacy for eating disorders and mental NERVOSA? health legislation. In August 2017, The Alliance opened SUGGESTED Psychological Services, which offers direct, low-cost, life-saving treatment to underinsured and uninsured READING* adults in our community. Since its inception, The Alliance has offered presentations on eating disorders, Bulimia: A Guide for Family and Friends positive body image, and self-esteem to more than Roberta Sherman, Ph.D. & Ron Thompson, Ph.D. 290,000 individuals nationwide. Bulimia Nervosa is an eating Life Beyond Your Eating Disorder disorder characterized by Johanna S. Kandel repeated episodes of binge Life Without ED eating and purging at least Jenni Schaefer FOR MORE once a week for three months. Overcoming Bulimia Workbook Randi McCabe, Ph.D., Traci McFarlane, Ph.D. & Marion Olmsted, Ph.D. INFORMATION

BULIMIA NERVOSA? 1. Recurrent episodes of binge eating characterized by COMPLICATIONS

BOTH of the following: Bulimia Nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by (MAY INCLUDE) repeated episodes of binge eating (consuming a large Eating in a discrete amount of time (within a 2 hour period) large amounts of food. • Fatigue and lack of energy amount of food in a short period of time) and purging • Anemia (eliminating calorie consumption) at least once a week Sense of lack of control over eating during an episode. • Irregular menstruation or Amenorrhea for three months. Methods of purging may include self- • Low blood pressure induced vomiting, compulsive exercise, laxative use, 2. Recurrent inappropriate compensatory behavior in • Dizziness diuretic use, insulin misuse, and/or diet pill use. order to prevent weight gain (purging). • Edema (swelling of hands and feet) 3. The binge eating and compensatory behaviors both • Dehydration Symptoms often include eating beyond the point of occur, on average, at least once a week for three months. • Gastric rupture fullness, feeling out of control during a binge, frequent • Inflammation and possible rupture of the dieting, and inappropriate compensatory behaviors 4. Self-evaluation is unduly influenced by body shape and weight. following a binge. Behaviors are typically accompanied esophagus by negative body image related to size, weight, and shape. 5. The disturbance does not occur exclusively during • Development of peptic ulcers Many individuals experiencing Bulimia Nervosa may also episodes of Anorexia Nervosa. • Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) struggle with co-occurring conditions such as self-injury, • Stomach pain and bloating substance abuse, and impulsivity. • Constipation and diarrhea • Cathartic colon (caused from laxative abuse) • Hemorrhoids WARNING SIGNS • Tooth decay/gum disease DID YOU KNOW... (MAY INCLUDE) • Kidney and liver damage • Bingeing and purging • Electrolyte imbalances that can lead to irregular 5 percent of American women suffer from Bulimia • Lack of control over eating heartbeat and seizures Nervosa in their lifetime. • Secretive eating and/or missing food • Cardiac arrest • Visits to the bathroom after meals 25% of individuals experiencing Anorexia Nervosa • Preoccupation with food and Bulimia Nervosa are male. • Weight fluctuations Nearly half of Bulimia Nervosa patients have a • Self-injury GETTING HELP comorbid mood disorder. • Excessive and compulsive exercise regimes If you think you or someone you know may • Abuse of laxatives, diet pills, and/or diuretics be experiencing an Bulimia Nervosa, please seek More than half of Bulimia Nervosa patients have • Swollen glands in cheeks and neck specialized, professional help as soon as possible. comorbid anxiety disorders. • Discoloration and/or staining of the teeth Eating disorders are a serious mental illness but full and lasting recovery is possible with • Broken blood vessels in eyes and/or face Four out of ten individuals have either personally specialized treatment. experienced an eating disorder or know someone • Calluses on the back of the hands/knuckles who has. • Sore throat For more information on how to receive • Heartburn/acid reflux help, please log on to www.findedhelp.com, Full recovery from an eating disorder is possible. • Self-criticism and feelings of shame and guilt www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com, Early detection and intervention are important. or call us at 866-662-1235. • High levels of anxiety and/or depression ADDITIONAL ABOUT THE ALLIANCE The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness is a non- The Alliance for profit organization dedicated to providing programs RESOURCES* and activities aimed at outreach, education, early Eating Disorders Awareness National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) intervention, and advocacy for all eating disorders. www.nationaleatingdisorders.org your path to recovery... 800.931.2237 Founded in October 2000, The Alliance has worked tirelessly to raise awareness; eliminate secrecy and The Academy for Eating Disorders (AED) stigma; promote access to care; and support those www.aedweb.org susceptible to, currently struggling with, and recovered 847.498.4274 from eating disorders. We create a bridge for those needing and seeking help by connecting people with Eating Disorders Coalition (EDC) www.eatingdisorderscoalition.org resources to assist them in recovery. WHAT IS Binge Eating Disorders Association (BEDA) The Alliance offers comprehensive services, including: www.bedaonline.com educational presentations to schools, healthcare providers, hospitals, treatment centers, and community International Association of Eating Disorders agencies; free, clinician-led weekly support groups ANOREXIA Professionals (IAEDP) for those struggling and for their loved ones; support www.iaedp.com and referrals through both our free help-line and comprehensive referral website, www.findEDhelp. com; and advocacy for eating disorders and mental NERVOSA? health legislation. In August 2017, The Alliance opened SUGGESTED Psychological Services, which offers direct, low-cost, life-saving treatment to underinsured and uninsured READING* adults in our community. Since its inception, The Alliance has offered presentations on eating disorders, Decoding Anorexia positive body image, and self-esteem to more than Anorexia Nervosa is an Carrie Arnold 290,000 individuals nationwide. eating disorder characterized Eating with Your Anorexic by an obsessive fear of weight Laura Collins gain, refusal to maintain a Life Beyond Your Eating Disorder Johanna S. Kandel healthy body weight, and FOR MORE distorted body image. Life Without ED Jenni Schaefer INFORMATION

ANOREXIA NERVOSA? 1. Restriction of energy intake relative to COMPLICATIONS

requirements leading to a significantly low body Anorexia Nervosa is an eating disorder characterized (MAY INCLUDE) weight in the context of age, sex, developmental by an obsessive fear of weight gain, refusal to maintain trajectory, and physical health. a healthy body weight, and distorted body image. • Low blood pressure According to Dr. Thomas Insel, former Director of 2. Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, • Anemia (iron deficiency) National Institute of Mental Health, “Research tells us even though underweight. • Poor circulation in extremities that Anorexia Nervosa is a brain disease with severe metabolic effects on the entire body.” Eating disorders 3. Disturbance in the way in which one’s body weight • Gastrointestinal problems: constipation and/or do not discriminate between gender, socioeconomic or shape is experienced, undue influence of body bloating status, sexual orientation, race, body shape and size, or weight or shape on self-evaluation, or denial of the • Muscle loss and weakness ethnicity — no one is immune. seriousness of the current low body weight. • Abnormally slow and/or irregular heartbeat Two subtypes of Anorexia Nervosa exist: the restricting • Irregular menstruation or Amenorrhea subtype and the binge-eating/purging subtype. • Heart damage Individuals with the restricting subtype maintain their • Weak or brittle bones/osteoporosis low body weight by significantly limiting their food intake. In the binge-eating/purging subtype, individuals WARNING SIGNS • Dehydration/kidney failure restrict their food intake and routinely engage in binge- (MAY INCLUDE) • Edema (swelling) eating and/or purging behaviors. These behaviors may • Memory loss/disorientation include self-induced vomiting, compulsive exercise, and abuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas. Restriction of • Significant weight loss/low body weight • Growth of fine, downy hair (lanugo) energy intake, relative to an individual’s requirements, • Distorted body image • Decreased growth hormone which may lead leads to a significantly low body weight that can cause • Fear of, or behavior interfering with, weight gain to delayed physical maturation severe medical complications. • Preoccupation with weight, calories, food, etc. • Decreased estrogen/testosterone/thyroid hormone • Feelings of guilt after eating • Infertility • Denial of severity of low weight • Electrolyte imbalance • High levels of anxiety and/or depression • Seizures DID YOU KNOW... • Low self-esteem

Anorexia Nervosa has one of the highest overall • Self-injury mortality rates and the highest suicide rate of any • Social isolation psychiatric disorder. • Excuses for not eating/denial of hunger GETTING HELP The mortality rate for Anorexia Nervosa is three • Food rituals If you think you or someone you know may times higher than in depression, schizophrenia or • Intense, dramatic mood swings be experiencing an Anorexia Nervosa, please alcoholism and 12 times higher than in the general • Pale appearance/yellowish skin-tone seek specialized, professional help as soon as population. • Thin, dull, and dry hair, skin, and nails possible. Eating disorders are a serious mental Up to 10% of women with Anorexia Nervosa may • Cold intolerance/hypothermia illness but full and lasting recovery is possible die due to anorexia-related causes. • Fatigue/dizziness/fainting with specialized treatment. 33-50% of individuals with Anorexia Nervosa have • Abuse of laxatives, diet pills, or diuretics For more information on how to receive a comorbid diagnosis. • Excessive and compulsive exercise help, please log on to www.findedhelp.com, Full recovery from an eating disorder is possible. • Control issues www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com, Early detection and intervention are important. • Sleep difficulties or call us at 866-662-1235. TEACHING HEALTHY IF YOUR LOVED ONE RELATIONSHIPS WITH The Alliance for IS IN RECOVERY FOOD & BODY Eating Disorders Awareness

1. Validation and compassion are key! Validate their 1. Avoid statements about weight, body shape, your path to recovery... fears and struggles without judgment. and size.

2. Be willing to adapt to changes in a recovery plan. 2. There are no “good” or “bad” foods. All foods are fine in moderation. 3. Have the ability to incorporate love and fun into the recovery process—recovery free time. 3. Model and encourage healthy eating (i.e. not dieting).

4. Focus on the person, not the eating disorder. They 4. Avoid using food as a reward or a positive are not their eating disorder. reinforcement. FOR 5. Remind your loved one that they are not alone— be 5. Focus on the functions of the body, not size or inclusive not exclusive. appearance.

6. You don’t need to fully understand the disease, but 6. Encourage physical activities for fun and join be there and be present—what your loved one is in them. LOVED going through is real! 7. Compliment loved ones on their talents, 7. Understand that the eating disorder did not happen accomplishments, intelligence, and values. overnight, nor will recovery. Progress, not perfection, 8. Teach your loved one to listen to their own is key. ONES hunger. Encourage eating when they are hungry and stopping when they are full. 8. There is no “perfect” recovery—people recover to life, not utopia. 9. Talk about unrealistic media images and messages. GETTING HELP 9. Don’t tip-toe around your loved one—be real and honest but not pushy. 10. Encourage an open line of communication If you think you or someone you know may between you and your loved one. be experiencing an eating disorder please seek 10. Slips and falls will happen—acknowledge them specialized, professional help as soon as possible. but don’t catastrophize them. Every time they pick themselves up they will get stronger. Eating disorders are a serious mental illness but full and lasting recovery is possible 11. Triggering people, places, and things will emerge— with specialized treatment. be there for support. FOR MORE For more information on how to receive help, 12. Ask your loved one what they need from you— be their ally on their journey to recovery. INFORMATION please log on to www.findedhelp.com, www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com, 13. YOU are an asset to your loved one’s recovery or call us at 866-662-1235. process. You are an expert when it comes to them; The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness don’t be afraid to utilize those intuitions. Phone: (866) 662-1235 Fax: (561) 653-0043 www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com 14. Take care of yourself so you can truly take care of www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com (866) 662-1235 your loved one— breathe, and keep going. www.findedhelp.com TIPS FOR YOUR PLEASE HOW TO HELP A

LOVED ONES REMEMBER LOVED ONE Eating disorders affect not only the individual who is suffering, but also those around them. Loved ones DO desperately want to help their friend/family member, CPR but often anything they say will be met with anger, • Learn about eating disorders frustration, denial, or avoidance. It can be difficult to • Find an appropriate time and place to talk to the believe a loved one is capable of hurting themselves by individual in private means of an eating disorder. If your loved one displays • Communicate your concerns using “I” statements signs and symptoms of an eating disorder, seek help C immediately. Early intervention greatly increases the • Stress the importance of professional and specialized help likelihood of recovery. • You didn’t CAUSE it. • Take care of your own mental, physical, and It is also important that you, the family and friends of • You can’t CONTROL it. emotional health someone going through an eating disorder, get help and support for yourselves. Please consider attending family • You can’t CURE it. • Validate your loved one’s feelings, struggles, and accomplishments and express your support therapy and/or a family and friends support group. It is • You can learn how NOT to CONTRIBUTE to it. crucial that you maintain your physical and emotional • You need to learn how to COPE with it. health so you can help your loved one when they DON’T need you. • Take CARE of yourself. • Don’t be scared • Don’t engage in a power struggle SUGGESTED P • Don’t attempt to solve or “fix” their problems • Don’t comment on calorie/food intake, weight, READING* • Avoid PANIC. It prohibits clear thinking and calm appearance, etc. Brave Girl Eating reactions. • Don’t expect recovery to be perfect Harriet Brown • Recovery is a PROCESS. Two steps forward and one • Don’t blame yourself or your loved ones Eating with Your Anorexic backwards. • Don’t promise to keep it a secret Laura Collins • PROGRESS, not PERFECTION, is the goal. Just Tell Her to Stop Becky Henry • PATIENCE is critical. Life Beyond Your Eating Disorder DID YOU KNOW... Johanna S. Kandel Eating Disorders are complex Surviving an Eating Disorder R biopsychosocial illnesses. Michelle Siegel, PhD, Judith Brisman, PhD & Margot Weinshel, PhD • RESPOND instead of REACT. Over 30 million Americans experience a Why She Feels Fat clinically significant eating disorder during • REMEMBER to listen. Johanna McShane, PhD & Tony Paulson, PhD their lifetime. • REFLECT and REASON before you speak. Full recovery from an eating disorder is • RECOVERY is a journey, a long ROAD that may possible. Early detection and intervention The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness does not include RELAPSE. are important. recommend or endorse any of the organizations, websites * or books listed above. • REACH out to others for love and support. Help is available and recovery is possible.