Eating Disorder

[St.Vincent]

My friend has one. And the binge purge has started up again. Earlier this year, I gave her a packet of resources both web and nearby, and it didn't do shit.

I'm running out of ideas.. I don't know what to say

How do I help her?

[eunoia]

I know you might not want to... but have you told someone who can force her to get help?

Middle school is clearly different than high school, but I had to do that for a friend back in middle school. It's what she needed. The bottom line was that I couldn't do anything more than I had done, so I asked for help.

We can't be everything for everyone, all of the time. Even if we want to be.

[St.Vincent]

I can't imagine her family endorsing her for professional help. Her mom thinks she's "fat" and her while family thinks that therapy is psycobabble... I'm not sure that would go down, at all.

[Briana]

I had someone sit me down and talk with me when I went through this. It always helps to know someone is willing to take time to sit down with you and tell you how much they care. Maybe ask her to hang out with you and just talk for a long time and tell hr how you feel about the situation.

[eunoia]

Originally Posted by St.Vincent

I can't imagine her family endorsing her for professional help. Her mom thinks she's "fat" and her while family thinks that therapy is psycobabble... I'm not sure that would go down, at all.

What about an adult in her/your school? A nurse, guidance counselor, or teacher? Maybe A) they can begin to help her and B) with an adult's support her family will begin to come around?

[St.Vincent]

Briana- I sat down with her with a packet of online communities and referrals I got from the school nurse and counselor. We went over them together and I told her that all of us (her friends and I) want her to get help for this. I think she stopped binging and purging for a few months, didn't get help, and now it's back in time for bikini season. She used to be so skinny, now she's obviously fatter and that's triggering to her now, especially coupled with her mother's tirades.

Jessie- we go to the same school, I've talked to our nurse and my counselor but I've been reluctant to say her her name; I always thought she'd be mature enough to get help when it was time... I feel guilty turning her in and I could justify it with the fact that her ED seemed to almost go into remission.

[Briana]

Aww well like what Jessie said before, there is only so much you can do to help her. As much as we would like to help everyone and "heal" them, we just can't. You have talked to her and tried to get her help. Now just keep reminding her that you are there for her and you care and you want her to talk to you when she is struggling.

[St.Vincent]

But I want a next step.. like a plan B or something. Surely I can do more.