TIPS FOR APPROACHING SOMEONE YOU THINK MAY HAVE AN EATING DISORDER
• Ask to speak to the person in private.
• Explain your specific concerns to the person in a nonjudgmental way (e.g. "I'm concerned because you seem to be isolated and not wanting to be involved in any activities, especially when there is food involved"; "I see a large amount of food disappearing in the house and I'm concerned that you may be struggling with an eating problem"; "Your mood seems to be changing these days and I'm concerned about you," etc.).
• Offer to accompany the person to an evaluation with a qualified mental health specialist.
• CONTINUE TO CHECK IN WITH THE PERSON AND OFFER SUPPORT.
Warning signs of bingEing or compulsive overeating
• Overeating or eating uncontrollably, even when not physically hungry
• Eating very rapidly
• Eating alone due to shame or embarrassment
• Feelings of guilt and shame due to overeating
• Depression or mood swings
• Isolation, often from activities involving food, due to embarrassment about weight or eating
• Eating very little in public, but maintaining a high weight
• Preoccupation with weight, dieting and food
• Chronic dieting
• Typically, awareness that eating patterns are abnormal
Source: The Emily Program. For more information, call 651-645-5323, e-mail info@emilyprogram.com, or go to www.emilyprogram.com.