YouthNoise | Be the Solution: Eating Disorders

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Be the Solution: Eating Disorders
The first part to being the solution to young people with eating disorders, is helping yourself. If you are concerned about your own eating habits, please tell someone you trust.

WHO TO CALL
The National Eating Disorders Association has a hotline where you can request more information on any topic relating to eating disorders. The number is 1-800-931-2237.

The Renfrew Center Foundation also has a hotline you can call and get tons of information on eating disorders and treatment. The number is 1-800-RENFREW.

HELP A FRIEND
If you think a friend may have an eating disorder, you're doing the right thing to bring it to their attention. But, there are some guidelines. Talk to them in private, no one wants additional attention by causing a scene. Be patient and understanding. Don't discuss food. Try to get your friend to express their feelings and listen to them.

If you are still concerned and your friend doesn't want to get further help, you need to tell someone. Left untreated, anorexia and bulimia can do a lot of damage and even take your friend's life. Talking to your friend's parents may be your best step, but first encourage your friend to tell his or her parents, or tell them together.

	Discrimination based on weight. Read what NOISEmaker Birdygirl had to say: "Every day, I get some comment yelled at me about "fat b*h" or "why don't you try eating less?" Read more on Weight Prejudice.

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to do nothing at all.

be the Solution: Help a Friend

If you have a friend who is recovering from an eating disorder here are some tips for saying and doing the right things:

• Avoid telling them how they look -- that just reminds them that people pay attention to appearances. Comments like "You look well rested." or "You seem so energetic." are your best bets.

• Eat with them, but avoid dwelling on how much they are eating or not eating.

• Encourage fun eating activities - try new foods together or cook something new.

STAY INFORMED
Some other good sites that are worth checking out for more info:

National Eating Disorders Association
The NEDA works to eliminate eating disorders and body dissatisfaction through prevention efforts, education, referral and support services, advocacy, training, and research. Their site has tons of information like the Media Watchdog Program to end glamorizing eating disorders, and a toll-free nationwide hotline (800) 931-2237. Go to: www.nationaleatingdisorders.org

The Renfrew Center Foundation
The Renfrew Center Foundation is a women's mental health center, as well as a nationwide referral network that specializes in the treatment of eating disorders and other women's issues. Take their quiz to find out if you have a healthy relationship with food, check out their tips on how to reach out to someone with an eating disorder and find out more about volunteering at the Renfrew Center. Call 1-800-RENFREW or go to www.renfrew.org.



		• Dieting out of control: What exactly are eating disorders? • 24 million: The number of people in the U.S. who have an eating disorder. • Meet joyflgrrl: She was "Bulimic for Four Years." • Top 10: Reasons Why You Look Hot