how can i help an anorexic?

Question

funny thing is.. most of these answers say "she", "her" etc, but my friends a GUY!!!

Answer 1

The first line treatment for anorexia is usually focused on immediate weight gain, especially with those who have particularly serious conditions that require hospitalization. In particularly serious cases, this may be done under as an involuntary hospital treatment under mental health law, where such legislation exists. In the majority of cases, however, people with anorexia are treated as outpatients, with input from physicians, psychiatrists, clinical psychologists and other mental health professionals.

A recent clinical review has suggested that psychotherapy is an effective form of treatment and can lead to restoration of weight, return of menses among female patients, and improved psychological and social functioning when compared to simple support or education programmes.[33] However, this review also noted that there are only a small number of randomised controlled trials on which to base this recommendation, and no specific type of psychotherapy seems to show any overall advantage when compared to other types. Family therapy has also been found to be an effective treatment for adolescents with anorexia[34] and in particular, a method developed at the Maudsley Hospital is widely used and found to maintain improvement over time.[35]

It is important to note that many recovering underweight persons (who are more or less forced against their will into recovery by parents or other relatives) often harbour a hateful dislike for those who they feel to be robbing them of their treasured emaciation. Often when well-meaning friends or relatives compliment the recoveree on how much healthier they look, the recoveree's mind replaces "healthy" with "fat."

Drug treatments, such as SSRI or other antidepressant medication, have not found to be generally effective for either treating anorexia,[36] or preventing relapse[37] although it has also been noted that there is a lack of adequate research in this area. It is common, however, for antidepressants to be prescribed, often with the intent of trying to treat the associated anxiety and depression.

There are various non-profit and community groups that offer support and advice to people who have anorexia, or are the carer of someone who does. Several are listed in the links below and may provide useful information for those wanting more information or help on treatment and medical care.

Answer 2

If you were her friend, you'd just enable her to speak her thoughts, without correcting or judging her, or telling her to change her mind. Her sense of who she is cannot yet bloom until all the so-called 'crap' in her mind is unloaded. You really need to 'clip your tongue' here; listening is not an easy thing to do. Sensitively inserting an 'um' or 'uh huh', in betw demonstrates you are listening. Keep an open attitude and never 'jump in' to do any of those things I mentioned above.

At the end of the conversation, just smile. Ask her how she feels now. If she is aware of her needs, she will tell you she feels good after having someone listen to her without changing any of the thoughts. If she is not, then this is both you and your first time doing this. It is ok to feel uncomfortable learning how to communicate without paying thru your nose for therapy (which is what she needs in the long haul). You may want to set some time boundaries too, bc this kind of communcation is freeing for your friend (unloading crap till she discovers herself underneath it all), but, for you, you may have other things on your hands.

Do not ever have any preconceived attitudes when she speaks. Draw no conclusions. Some of the time, it may sound like she is totally negative, even critical. Stay your tongue. Venting doesn't require fixing. There will come a time when she has sloughed off some of her 'crap' that when you start to ask a question, (like, Do you think you are more in chage now of your life, and is able to use some techniques to ward off unpleasant behaviors in others or in yourself?), she might be able to think more clearly and formulate behaviors that will bring her positive gains.

I could say more, but, I think you have enough to work on for a start.

Christmas isn't just an event. Think of it as a celebration of being alive, moment by moment. This is also a skill and an art.

:)

Answer 3

TALK to them about it... understnad why they have this condition and what caused it.. anorexia is usually caused by something someone is either holding on to or trying to forget like a bad event in their life.. etc.. but yea talk to your friend that has this disorder and look out for her. dont stuff food in her mouth tho thats the wrost thing you could do and make sure you say the right things and be careful with your words. it would definitely be benifical for her to seek professional help ... this is what im doing now.. its a long process but it does help if you have the right therapist.

email me if you wanan talk about it ill try to help :-P

Answer 4

Link listed below to an awesome site that includes basic information and where to go to find treatment. Best thing you can do is encourage your friend to get help.

Answer 5

If she's your daughter or someone you are responsible for, get her into counseling - now!

If she's not your own daughter, talk to whoever is responsible for her (if she's a preteen/teenager) or talk to her and encourage her to get help.

If you are a teenager and she is your friend, talk to a guidence counselor or her parents or again, right to her. If she's scared to tell her parents, maybe offer to talk to them with her or help her plan what she's going to say?

Answer 6

Steer them toward a mental health professional. A school counselor or someone like that.

Answer 7

Tell an adult or a Guidance Counsler and you should do it fast.The sooner you do it the better.

Answer 8

You can feed them or tell them to drink Ensure or Nutriment!!