Expert: Ryan Hale - 6/4/2010

Question
Hi, One of my closest friends has just told me that a counsellor has told her she has anorexia. I am really worried for her as she seems a healthy weight, has been lying to her parents and her parents do not yet know. I'm scared. My parent know and want to help her too i need help too try and persuade please help!

Answer
Rebecca- you're a good friend to want to be a source of support.  Someone going through this needs someone like that.  The best thing you can do is to be a person in her life who doesn't see her as damaged or in need of fixing, and understand that what she is doing is her best way she knows how to cope with whatever she is dealing with (life or emotional stress, history of abuse, depression, etc).  She may not always make sense in her behaviors, but we can care without complete understanding.  It is important that her family get on-board with her treatment...most treatment involves family therapy at some point.  Let her barrow what she needs from you (as in your healthier perspective, parent roles, etc).  Please let me know if there are any other questions I can answer.  It will be a long road.