HOW TO BE SUPPORTIVE
LEARN as much as you can about eating disorders. Read books, articles,
and brochures.
KNOW THE DIFFERENCES between facts and myths about weight, nutrition,
and exercise. Knowing the facts will help you reason against any inaccurate
ideas that your friend may be using as excuses to maintain their disordered
eating patterns.
BE HONEST Talk openly and honestly about your concerns with the person
who is struggling with eating or body image problems. Avoiding it or ignoring
it won’t help!
BE CARING, BUT BE FIRM Caring about your friend does not mean being
manipulated by them. Your friend must be responsible for their actions and the
consequences of those actions. Avoid making rules, promises, or expectations
that you cannot or will not uphold. For example, “I promise not to tell anyone.”
Or, “If you do this one more time I’ll never talk to you again.”
COMPLIMENT your friend’s wonderful personality, successes, or accomplish-
ments. Remind your friend that “true beauty” is not simply skin deep.
BE A GOOD ROLE MODEL in regard to sensible eating, exercise, and
self–acceptance.
TELL SOMEONE It may seem difficult to know when, if at all, to tell someone
else about your concerns. Addressing body image or eating problems in their
beginning stages offers your friend the best chance for working through these
issues and becoming healthy again. Don’t wait until the situation is so severe
that your friend’s life is in danger. Your friend needs as much support and
understanding as possible.
43