What can I do to help?

Ways to help

If your friend or relative has an eating problem they will eventually have to get professional help and support, from a doctor or other health professional such as the practise nurse or a school/college nurse.

• You might want to encourage them to go and speak to someone. You could even go with them for support if they wanted you to.

But there are things you can do.  You are already doing a great job by finding out ways to help and support them, it really shows that you care. You may have noticed that your friend has changed.  They may no longer go out or seem to want to be included in things. 

•  Your friend might act like they don't want to hang around with you anymore or to be included in things. Keep trying to include them in stuff just like before. Even if they don’t join in, they will still like to be asked. It will make them feel valued as a person, and help raise their self-esteem.

• You can also try to build up their self esteem, perhaps by telling them what a great friend they are and how much appreciate having them as a friend.

• Try not to give advice or criticism, but give time - and listen. This can be really tough when you don't agree with what they say about themselves  and food.

• Remember that you don’t have to know all the answers and there will be times you don’t know what to say, but just being there is the key. This is especially the case when things are hard to cope with, particularly when it feels like your friendship, help and support is being rejected.