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Question
My friend has an eating disorder and has for over 20 yrs. I'm wondering what the best things I can do to support her are? I've done hours and hours of research but there's just some certain things that she says and I feel totally helpless...
Hi, JEss,
)
There is a great book, Surviving an Eating Disorder: Strategies for Families and Friends. And you are that: a good friend.
We can look at the reality of the situation by talking about the 3 C's:
1. You didn't CAUSE it.
2. You can't CONTROL it.
3. You can't CURE it.
What you can do is to see if you can get her to see a therapist who specializes in eating disorders. Professional treatment is the only way. You can do tough love, and tell her that you don't want to watch her die because you care about her. You can say that I can't be around you until you begin recovery.
Start with the book! Let me know how you (and she) do!
Warmly,
Jeannie Rust, PhD
CEO/Founder
Mirasol Eating Disorder Recovery Centers
www.mirasol.net
www.edrecovery.com
888-520-1700
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Answers by Expert:
Jeanne Rust, PhD
Expertise
I have been treating eating disorders for over 25 years and I have a doctorate in clinical psychology. I am an expert in anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorders and in co-occurring disorders as well -- depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, etc. I was the official eating disorder therapist for the University of Arizona athletic department and love working with girls and women of all ages! 12 years ago I started my own treatment centers in Arizona where we treat adolescents and adults. I love working with people and have been helping people online since 1994. My hearts go out to the people out there who are unable to find help, who aren't sure whether they need help, and who don't have much of an understanding of the terrible consequences, emotionally and physically, that go hand in hand with the eating disorder. I view eating disorders as coping mechanisms that people use when they are under stress. I believe that eating disorders most times have many similarities whether it is anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating. The good news is that people can heal from an eating disorder and learn to create the lives they would like to live.
Experience
I have 25 years of experience in treating eating disorders of all kinds. I also do consultations for people who are starting treatment centers.
Education/Credentials
Northwestern University -- BA
Masters in Counseling
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology -- Saybrook institute
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