How to Approach and Understand an Anorexic or a Bulimic Woman

Eating disorders are a hot topic today. There has been a lot of focus in recent years on celebrities and the the effect that  body image issues are having on the young women in our society. According to the South Carolina Department of Mental Health,  millions of American women suffer from eating disorders.

Eating disorders can be fatal and should be treated as soon as they are recognized.  Once you find treatment, you’re on the right track to treating the condition.  For those with anorexia and bulimia, the underlying emotional issues that fuel the of the disease can be incredibly painful.

For those of us that do not suffer from anorexia or bulimia, it can be difficult to understand those who starve themselves and overeat.  Sadly, many of us see eating disorder sufferers as abnormal or even defective.  Those with eating disorders are struggling with their self perception, and being told they have a problem reinforces the fact that they are isolated from the world. 

The Loneliness of an Eating Disorder

Anorexia and bulimia are solitary disorders.  Their sufferers feel alone.  They can talk to no one, because they are constantly criticized.  Family members try to force feed them, and their  comments that they’re not eating enough can be perceived as cruel and hurtful.

This can make it difficult to recover from the disease.  Their is actually solace in the process of bingeing and purging because it is a personal moment of feeling "in control." Anorexics and bulimics are trying to live up to society’s perception of the perfect body image and they are continually feeling judged.   Women who are thin to an unhealthy degree might  get looks from those in public that seem to say: "What is wrong with her?”

Seeking Professional Help

That’s why it’s so important to seek emotional counseling for someone suffering from an eating disorder.  But it is also helpful for those around the eating disorder sufferer to try and understand how the woman (or man) is feeling. 

Anorexics and bulimics don't necessarily want sympathy.  They need loving confrontation and help evaluating their condition and decide what to do for themselves.   Offer them support and an understanding ear - but with firm truth.  Getting the help of an interventionist can be critical to educating yourself on how to interact with someone who's life is in danger from disordered eating. Anorexics and bulimics tend to be perfectionists by nature, so criticizing them may make them feel worse about themselves.

Also take into consideration any life situations that may be stressing someone with an eating disorder.  Many people develop the condition when dealing with a life crisis.  The death of a loved one or the loss of a job can lead some to eat less than they normally would.  The stress of these events alone has a tendency to make people lose weight.

Society also focuses on perfection.  In society’s eyes, this means that if your body isn’t perfect, there’s something wrong with you.  People with eating disorders also feel inadequate.  The fact that modern society points out their flaws is yet another threat to their self esteem.

If you are or know someone with an eating disorder, the best thing you can do is listen, understand.  Be that person’s confidant and quite possibly, their lifeline.  Visit our website for The Victorian of Newport Beach.  This facility treats eating disorders and addiction.