How to Talk About Eating Disorders

If you’re concerned that someone you care about is dealing with an eating disorder, you might not know how to approach them. After all, you don’t want to offend them or trigger them in any way. But eating disorders need to be taken seriously. Knowing how to talk about them the right way can end up saving the life of someone you love. 

So, how do you approach the conversation? Obviously, you can’t be accusatory, and it’s probably not a good idea to focus solely on someone’s appearance. 

Rather, you can talk about eating disorders by showing compassion, care, and concern for the individual who might be struggling. 

Let’s cover a few tips you can put into practice if you’re struggling to find the right approach. 

Educate and Prepare Yourself

Before you step into a conversation about eating disorders, it’s important to get the facts. There isn’t just one type of disordered eating. Some of the most common disorders include anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating. But any type of harmful or negative relationship with food can be considered an eating disorder. 

Understanding what each of these disorders might look like can help you feel more prepared as you talk to your loved one. 

You should also understand that people spiral into eating disorders for different reasons. Some use it as a way to feel a sense of control. Others use disordered eating as a coping mechanism. There’s often more going on beneath the surface, so understand that the person you care about might be dealing with other mental health issues they haven’t talked about. 

Communicate Your Concern 

Be calm, gentle, and compassionate as you openly communicate your concern for your loved one. If you say something too aggressively, they might get defensive. Many people with disordered eating habits like to keep them private. When you bring your concerns to the light, that person might feel like they’ve been “caught” doing something bad. 

So, don’t talk to them as though they’re in trouble or like they’ve done something wrong. Instead, express your concern because you care about them. Avoid using any kind of labels and keep your tone judgement-free. 

Offer to Help 

Thankfully, there are plenty of resources available for people dealing with eating disorders. But, one of the best things you can do is encourage that person to work with a mental health professional. 

Again, disordered eating is often the result of a deeper issue. While eating disorders can cause physical problems, they typically stem from mental health struggles. Help your loved one find a therapist and serve as a support system as they get the help they deserve. 

Be Prepared for Difficult Conversations

Understand that your initial concerns might not be met with a positive response. Even if you approach your loved one in a calm and compassionate manner, they might get defensive about their actions. They might deny having an eating disorder or make excuses for their behaviors. 

Don’t give up. Continue to be honest and open with them about your concerns. Continue to offer your help and support. If you see their physical health starting to decline, be more immediate in your efforts to get them help—including medical help, if necessary. Sometimes, working with a nutritionist can make a big difference in getting someone back to a healthy weight. 

If someone you know is dealing with an eating disorder and they’re ready to take charge of their life again, feel free to contact me. I’m happy to offer more information or help them set up an appointment for eating disorder therapy. Let them know they can rediscover a healthy relationship with food, and they don’t have to do it on their own.