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ADDITIONAL DID YOU KNOW... • Eating disorders can affect anyone. People of all ages, genders, socioeconomic statuses, sexual RESOURCES* orientations, races and ethnicities can suffer from an . National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) • At least 30 million Americans will experience www.nationaleatingdisorders.org a clinically significant eating disorder in their 800.931.2237 lifetime.

The Academy for Eating Disorders (AED) • Eating disorders have one of the highest www.aedweb.org mortality rate of any mental illness, with nearly 1 847.498.4274 person dying every hour as a direct result of their eating disorder. Eating Disorders Coalition (EDC) www.eatingdisorderscoalition.org • 13% of women over the age of 50 have symptoms WHAT ARE of an eating disorder. International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (IAEDP) • 30-50% of individuals with Anorexia Nervosa, www.iaedp.com nearly half of those with , and nearly half of those with BED have a comorbid mood disorder. EATING • 30% of higher weight patients attempting to SUGGESTED lose weight in clinical settings meet diagnostic criteria for Disorder and/or Bulimia READING* Nervosa. DISORDERS? • Only about one third of people ever receive 8 Keys to Recovery from an Eating Disorder treatment for their eating disorder. Carolyn Costin, MA, Med, MFT • Full recovery from an eating disorder is possible. Crave: Why You Binge Eat and How to Stop Early detection and intervention are important. Cynthia M. Bulik, Ph.D. • Help is available and recovery is possible.

Eating in the Light of the Moon Anita Johnston, Ph.D.

Goodbye ED, Hello Me! Jenni Schaefer Intuitive Eating Evelyn Tribole, RD & Elyse Resch, RD FOR MORE Life Beyond Your Eating Disorder Johanna S. Kandel INFORMATION

The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness Phone: (866) 662-1235 The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness does not recommend or endorse any of the organizations, websites www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com * 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 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 . 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 or weight. Eating months. Eight percent of American adults suffer from disorders do not discriminate between ages, genders, Binge Eating Disorder in their lifetime and approximately • Find an appropriate time and place to talk to the socioeconomic statuses, sexual orientations, body shapes/ half of the risk for developing BED individual in private sizes, races and ethnicities. Eating disorders include is genetic. • Communicate your concerns using “I” statements Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating • Stress the importance of professional and Disorder, Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder, and specialized help Avoidant/Restrictive 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 , refusal to maintain a healthy body limited to Atypical Anorexia Nervosa, Purging Disorder, appearance, etc. weight, and distorted body image. Individuals with and . OSFED causes clinically Anorexia Nervosa may restrict caloric intake or purge • Don’t expect recovery to be perfect significant distress/impairment of daily functioning and calories through self-induced vomiting, compulsive is equally as severe as the other eating disorder diagnoses. • Don’t blame yourself or your loved ones exercise, or /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 has AVOIDANT/RESTRICTIVE one of 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 bingeing (consuming a large amount of food in characterized by a failure to meet appropriate nutritional but full and lasting recovery is possible with a 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 pill use. Behaviors are weight concerns. Symptoms also include nutritional www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com, typically accompanied by negative body image related deficient 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 national non-profit organization dedicated to providing RESOURCES* programs and activities aimed at outreach, education, National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) early intervention, and advocacy for all eating www.nationaleatingdisorders.org disorders. 800.931.2237

The Academy for Eating Disorders (AED) Founded in October 2000, The Alliance has worked www.aedweb.org tirelessly to raise awareness; eliminate secrecy and 847.498.4274 stigma; promote access to care; and support those Eating Disorders Coalition (EDC) susceptible to, currently struggling with, and recovered www.eatingdisorderscoalition.org from eating disorders. We create a bridge for those International Association of Eating Disorders needing and seeking help by connecting people with WHAT IS Professionals (IAEDP) resources to assist them in recovery. www.iaedp.com

The Alliance offers comprehensive services, including: educational presentations to schools, healthcare SUGGESTED providers, hospitals, and community agencies; free, BINGE clinician-led weekly support groups nationwide for those struggling and for their loved ones; support

READING* and referrals through both our free help-line and Binge Control comprehensive referral website, www.findEDhelp. EATING Cynthia Bulik, Ph.D. com; advocacy for eating disorders and mental health Binge Eating Disorder legislation; and Psychological Services, which offers Amy Pershing & Chevese Turner direct, low-cost, life-saving treatment to underinsured Break Free From Emotional Eating and uninsured adults in our community. Since its DISORDER? Geneen Roth inception, The Alliance has offered presentations on eating disorders, positive body image, and self-esteem Crave: Why You Binge Eat and How to Stop Cynthia M. Bulik, Ph.D. to more than 320,000 individuals nationwide.

End Emotional Eating Jennifer Taitz, PSYD

Food: The Good Girl’s Drug Sunny Sea Gold Intuitive Eating FOR MORE Evelyn Tribole, RD & Elyse Resch, RD Life Beyond Your Eating Disorder INFORMATION Johanna S. Kandel

The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness Phone: (866) 662-1235 The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness does not recommend or endorse any of the organizations, websites www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com * or books listed above. www.findedhelp.com WARNING SIGNS WHAT IS BINGE (MAY INCLUDE) DSM-5 DIAGNOSTIC

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 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 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 national non-profit organization dedicated to providing RESOURCES* programs and activities aimed at outreach, education, National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) early intervention, and advocacy for all eating www.nationaleatingdisorders.org disorders. 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 from eating disorders. We create a bridge for those Eating Disorders Coalition (EDC) www.eatingdisorderscoalition.org needing and seeking help by connecting people with resources to assist them in recovery. WHAT IS International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (IAEDP) The Alliance offers comprehensive services, including: www.iaedp.com educational presentations to schools, healthcare providers, hospitals, and community agencies; free, BULIMIA clinician-led weekly support groups nationwide for those struggling and for their loved ones; support SUGGESTED and referrals through both our free help-line and comprehensive referral website, www.findEDhelp. NERVOSA? com; advocacy for eating disorders and mental health READING* legislation; and Psychological Services, which offers Bulimia: A Guide for Family and Friends direct, low-cost, life-saving treatment to underinsured Roberta Sherman, Ph.D. & Ron Thompson, Ph.D. and uninsured adults in our community. Since its inception, The Alliance has offered presentations on Intuitive Eating eating disorders, positive body image, and self-esteem Evelyn Tribole, RD & Elyse Resch, RD to more than 320,000 individuals nationwide. Life Beyond Your Eating Disorder Johanna S. Kandel

Life Without ED Jenni Schaefer FOR MORE Overcoming Bulimia Workbook Randi McCabe, Ph.D., Traci McFarlane, Ph.D. & Marion Olmsted, Ph.D. INFORMATION

The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness Phone: (866) 662-1235 The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness does not recommend or endorse any of the organizations, websites www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com * or books listed above. www.findedhelp.com DSM-5 WHAT IS DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA HEALTH

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 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 , 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 , and . • Constipation and diarrhea • Cathartic colon (caused from laxative abuse) • Hemorrhoids WARNING SIGNS • /gum disease DID YOU KNOW... (MAY INCLUDE) • Kidney and liver damage • Bingeing and purging • Electrolyte imbalances that can lead to irregular Five percent of American women suffer from • Lack of control over eating heartbeat and seizures Bulimia Nervosa in their lifetime. • Secretive eating and/or missing food • Cardiac arrhythmia • Visits to the bathroom after meals 25 percent of individuals experiencing Anorexia • Preoccupation with food Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa are male. • Weight fluctuations GETTING HELP Nearly half of Bulimia Nervosa patients have a • Self-injury comorbid mood disorder. • Excessive and compulsive exercise regimes If you think you or someone you know may • Abuse of , 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 • /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 national non-profit organization dedicated to providing RESOURCES* programs and activities aimed at outreach, education, National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) early intervention, and advocacy for all eating www.nationaleatingdisorders.org disorders. 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 from eating disorders. We create a bridge for those Eating Disorders Coalition (EDC) www.eatingdisorderscoalition.org needing and seeking help by connecting people with resources to assist them in recovery. WHAT IS International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (IAEDP) The Alliance offers comprehensive services, including: www.iaedp.com educational presentations to schools, healthcare providers, hospitals, and community agencies; free, ANOREXIA clinician-led weekly support groups nationwide for those struggling and for their loved ones; support SUGGESTED and referrals through both our free help-line and comprehensive referral website, www.findEDhelp. NERVOSA? com; advocacy for eating disorders and mental health READING* legislation; and Psychological Services, which offers direct, low-cost, life-saving treatment to underinsured 8 Keys to Recovery from an Eating Disorder Carolyn Costin, MA, Med, MFT and uninsured adults in our community. Since its inception, The Alliance has offered presentations on Decoding Anorexia eating disorders, positive body image, and self-esteem Carrie Arnold to more than 320,000 individuals nationwide.

Eating with Your Anorexic Laura Collins

Life Beyond Your Eating Disorder Johanna S. Kandel FOR MORE Life Without ED Jenni Schaefer INFORMATION

The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness Phone: (866) 662-1235 The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness does not recommend or endorse any of the organizations, websites www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com * or books listed above. www.findedhelp.com DSM-5 WHAT IS DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA HEALTH

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 . • 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 • Weight loss/reduced body weight • Growth of fine, downy hair on body (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 disease • 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 • Intense, dramatic mood swings be experiencing an Anorexia Nervosa, please or alcoholism and 12 times higher than in the • Pale appearance/yellowish skin-tone seek specialized, professional help as soon as general 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 IS IN RECOVERY FOOD & BODY

1. Validation and compassion are key! Validate their 1. Avoid statements about weight, body shape, 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 be 6. Encourage physical activities for fun and join there and be present—what your loved one is going in them. LOVED 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 ONES is key. 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. 9. Don’t tip-toe around your loved one—be real and honest but not pushy. 10. Encourage an open line of communication between you and your loved one. 10. Slips and falls will happen—acknowledge them but don’t catastrophize them. Every time they pick themselves up they will get stronger.

11. Triggering people, places, and things will emerge— be there for support. FOR MORE 12. Ask your loved one what they need from you— be their ally on their journey to recovery. INFORMATION 13. YOU are an asset to your loved one’s recovery 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 www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com 14. Take care of yourself so you can truly take care of 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 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. At least 30 million Americans will Why She Feels Fat experience a clinically significant eating • REMEMBER to listen. Johanna McShane, PhD & Tony Paulson, PhD disorder in 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.