What is the best way to tell someone you have an eating disorder?
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First of all, I want to extend my most sincere congratulations to you. Battling an eating disorder is no easy task, and talking about it is even harder!
The best way to tell someone (e.g., parents), is to be very straightforward. First, pick a non stressful time to talk. Schedule it if you can. For example, "Mom, I've got something important I need to talk to you and Dad about. It is important that we set a time that we can all sit down together to talk. Would tonight at dinner be ok"? This gives your parents (or other person to whom you are disclosing) a chance to "gear up" and they feel less "trapped" or surprised.
Before your time to meet with the folks to whom you are disclosing, write up a quick list of "cue cards". If you get flustered or scared, or lose your nerve, just refer to your cards. There is a great comfort in knowing you have a little "back up".
When you get ready to have your sit down, be sure to give them something good to aspire to in advance (e.g., "I'm telling you this because I trust you, and because I know you'll support me even if what I tell you is confusing or scary"). When you compliment a person (particularly on the way you anticipate they will respond), they are more likely to respond in that way.
Next, it's time to plunge in. Try something like this:
"Thank you for taking the time to meet with me. I guess you're wondering why I asked to meet with you. This isn't easy to say, so I'm just going to plunge right in. ...
I have an eating disorder. It is called ________. Some of the symtpoms I've been experiencing for ______ months are ___, _____, _____, _____. I am telling you this because I would like you to _______ , ________, _______ (one of those things might be "help me find a treatment facility). I know this is a lot of information to take in, and you might have a lot of questions. I don't want to get too overwhelmed right now, but I would be happy to answer a few questions. After that, let's talk about what we should do next."
Best of luck to you.
You're doing the right thing.
Hang in there,
~M~
Try going to www.edap.org/ you can chat with someone live and they should be able to help you out. Or you can call their hot-line at 1-800-931-2237 Good luck!
They may go under another name or have unlisted phone numbers.
Call any general health clinic and ask.
Talk to your doctor. They may also know.
It is great you are asking this question and looking for answers. Some people you can talk to are - your doctor, school nurse, a parent or relative, a pastor, minister or rabbi. A parent of a friend. The best person to treat you would be a health care professional.
If someone doesn't take you seriously, go to somebody else.
Best wishes.
ive learned its easier for me not to show the eprson ur telling anything just come out and say wen i wrote something to tell my parents something i ended up getting embarrased.
Just tell someone close that you trust. Tell them how you feel and have it come from the heart. You might want to check out www.addicted.com; there is an online Zip Code locator so you can type in yours and see what the closest treatment centers are. You can also ask Rebecca Cooper (Eating Disorder Expert) any questions you have. Hope this helps.
Try www.somethingfishy.org it is the best way to get free information about finding treatment on an inpatient, partial hospitalization, Intensive outpatient, or outpatient basis. I too have an eating disorder. I have been in treatment more times than I would like to admit. I know it might seem far away, but if you are looking for inpatient treatment I recommend the Renfrew Center. Best of luck to you! Feel free to contact me, I would be happy to talk to you!
tell them over dinner.
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