A young woman in Kentucky wrote to the Dear Abby advice column, asking what she should do to help her younger sister, who appears to be anorexic. "Marni," as she calls her sister, has lost a significant amount of weight and is "literally skin and bones," though she says she fine. The sister doesn't know what to do, and their mother seems oblivious to the problem.

"Dear Anxious: Marni is NOT fine.... Throwing up after meals and taking laxatives are symptoms of a severe, life-threatening eating disorder... You should tell your mother immediately what she has been doing because her life could depend on it."

Anorexia has one of the highest mortality rates of any mental illness, though sufferers rarely get the treatment they need. If you suspect that a friend or family member has an eating disorder, get help right away. Source: Arizona Daily Star

Labels: support, advice, friends

Posted By: Aspen Education Group 0 Comments

Teens who struggle with eating disorders need the help and support of their parents. But they need help and support from their friends as well. It can be difficult, however, to know how to be supportive.

"If you think your friend has an eating disorder, try to help first by expressing concern. Talk about her health and happiness rather than her eating behaviors. Be patient and supportive, as a lot of praise is needed and talents pointed out."

It's also important not to nag your friend about her eating habits, or dwell in conversations that focus on her body image or weight. Read more at C-N.com.

Labels: support, communication, friends

Posted By: Aspen Education Group 0 Comments

In a frightening story of just how seriously kids can react to criticism from friends -- and how that criticism can lead to or exacerbate low self-esteem -- a young man from Great Britain is talking about his experience with eating disorders. He began “dieting” after being teased at school, and he eventually became so sick that he had to be fed through a tube.

His problems began when he started at Stockport secondary school at the age of 11. Older children called him names and teased him about his weight. It quickly spiraled out of control as he rapidly shed pounds. Eventually he collapsed and was admitted to nearby Stepping Hill hospital. (Source: The Daily Mail)

At the height of his struggle, Taylor was consuming just 50 calories a day. Taylor’s mom is quick to point out that he wasn’t “bullied,” as some newspapers have reported. She believes it’s important for parents and young people to realize that even innocent, seemingly harmless comments about a person’s weight can have terrible effects.

 

Labels: influences, starvation, friends

Posted By: Stefanie Hamilton 1 Comment