I'm in college and a bunch of my friends and I suspect a girl that we are kind of friends with might have an eating disorder. She never eats a thing even though some days we are at school for 9 or 10 hours, she wont have anything even if we offer it around to share with everyone. She only drinks a diet pop or chews gum. She goes to the gym alot too. Her legs are really thin and her arms too, but shes got a bit of a belly (almost looks pregnant) her cheeks are chubby like bulimics get, her breath is really bad and her nails are brown and stained. We dont feel we know her well enough to say anything to her about it and its getting hard to be her friend when her breath makes you want to vomit and she gets cranky if you offer her food. If someone even mentions an eating disorder in one of our classes she gets nervous and shaky. What can we do to help her without makeing her hate us? should we report it to one of the instructors?
2006-10-20 12:09:27 · 15 answers · asked by Jenn ♥Cadence Jade's mum♥ 7 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
sound like an eating disorder to me..can you maybe talk to a guidance councilor at school, tell them your concerns, ask to be kept anonymous, and ask that the counselor talks to her ..it can't hurt to try
2006-10-20 12:13:37 · answer #1 · answered by Bren 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think that in a case like this, she is going to have to get upset and just realize that you and your friends are there to help her. She'll be upset because you are pointing out a problem she has within herself. Talk to a health profesional first, then talk to her and maybe if your that concerned for her and your trying to invite her as a friend, accompany her. Let her know your there for her. Having an eating disorder is a hard thing to deal with. My best friend had an eating disorder and I felt I couldn't talk to her about it. When I talked to her parents the three of us approached her. She was very upset, she felt as though I betrayed her. It took some time, but I didn't give up as her friend. Being there for someone even though they're not a close friend is the best comfort you can give a person in need.
2006-10-20 19:26:34 · answer #2 · answered by Jazzy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
With all due respect, having this girl to like you is the least of all important in the issue at stake. She needs to be outted in a very gracious way. It amazes me the faculty and staff have not done anything. Perhaps they are, but it would not be out of line to find out. First, you need to understand she is in real danger of losing her life. Maybe this is the secondary problem, the first being an issue of a different kind, such as abuse, drug use, homelessness. People with eating disorders build a very protective wall around this area, because very often it is the only area of control they have in their lives. This is why they are antagonistic. As long as it is a secret, they will not or do not have to deal with itl. Enlist the school counselors and other concerned responsible adults to help you scedule an appropriate intervention for her. Call Dr. Phil if that does not help. He will help you get the ball rolling. Please do this for her sake. Prayers for you and her.
2006-10-20 19:19:23 · answer #3 · answered by flowers 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Bulimic and Anorexic people tend to think they are too fat, so it helps to tell them they look too thin. They will get pissed, but they need the feedback to help their perception of their weight. There's not much you can do for someone until they admit they have a problem. They might act like they hate you, but eventually they will realise you're right, and hopefully get help.
2006-10-20 19:13:41 · answer #4 · answered by martin h 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have had a lot of friends with eating disorders throughout the years. Unfortunately it is nearly impossible to help them unless they want it. If you have the opprotunity and are just one on one (never confront her in a group setting) feel free to ask her. She might need someone to talk to, but just understand that won't mean she will get help. And be careful not to let yourself become her counselor. She needs a professional.
2006-10-20 19:21:47 · answer #5 · answered by MeShell 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Sounds like she is bulimic. She must be eating alot when your not with her them vomiting up her food afterwards. Maybe you could try talking to her and get some help for her.
2006-10-21 08:21:20 · answer #6 · answered by ~*á?¦Kileaá?¦*~ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like the girl might be needing professional help.
May be the best way to react is indeed telling someone, like the school psychologist, talk with him in private, so that he calls that girl and talks to her discreetly and cautiously, gradually revealing the whole problem.
2006-10-20 19:13:29 · answer #7 · answered by Ateviel 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Report it to someone. She is not ready to hear your concern but a professional may be able to take suitable interventions. She has an incredible self-esteem/loathing and control issue.
2006-10-20 23:28:17 · answer #8 · answered by belly dance mama 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
how sad. but you cant help people who don't want help. you can talk to her privately and tell her straight up how she looks and smells. tell her she needs to see a doctor. that's all you can do. I would be very discreet and not tell any one about your talk with her even your friends because it will get around and then her feelings will get hurt and you will look real baad.
2006-10-20 19:15:04 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
u should tell the school counseler because even thoguh she might get mad at you its the right thing to do in the end she will thank u for tellin some1 if u dont tell any1 she could die this is serious
2006-10-20 19:12:25 · answer #10 · answered by <3 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋