Helping a Friend

How to approach someone you are concerned may have an eating disorder:

• Observe
• withdrawal from others
• strange eating habits
• change in mood and or appearance
• decline in academic performance
  Reflect
• speak to the person privately
• calmly describe specific observations
• focus on problems that are concerning
  Listen
• carefully and nonjudgementally
• allow the person time to respond
• acknowledge their perception might be different
  Suggest
• appropriate resources and referrals (see campus and community resources link)
• follow up conversations
• immediate evaluation for any of the following: bingeing and purging several times a day, passing out or complaining of chest pains, or complaining of severe stomach ache or vomiting blood.

Disclaimer: The information found on this site is intended as educational information only. You SHOULD NOT rely on the information to make any medical or legal decisions. Any medical or other decisions should be made in consultation with your health care provider. Any legal decisions should be made in consultation with your legal representative. The Student Center for Health and Well-Being will not be liable for any complications, injuries, or other medical accidents arising from, or in connection with the use of, or reliance upon, any information on the web site.