Friend with an eating disorder

She has to want to get better by herself, you can't do it for her,it won't work. If she has food issues then she should see a therapist to overcome it

It sounds like you're doing a terrific job by being so understanding, but as jmcg2014 has said, the decision to recover is one she can take.

Practical tips are that to avoid the subjects of food, particularly when eating.

You can also help by avoiding commenting on appearance as this has affects both ways. A person in recovery can be triggered by comments on how much better they are looking, and equally comments on appearance can inspire further deterioration.

If friends are dieting, talking about diets, and calories perhaps should be saved for times you are not around her. Unfortunately these are part and parcel of life, but as I find on a daily basis (in the work cafe) they can be extremely upsetting.

Remember that not every social occasion has to revolve around food. People with eating disorders increasingly cut themselves out of social situations because they want to avoid food. It is important to keep your friend your friend, so maybe think about social settings that don't always require food.

Also, it's important to look after yourself. Beat, the national eating disorder charity have a helpline for carers and support network for carers and friends. It may be worth having a chat with them for some guidance too.

I am also a person who has anorexia and hs just spent 2 months in a ED unit and many other hospital stays. I also have a good friend who says and does the wrong thing, but how is she to know unless is say. \just being there for your friend is the answer as its a very lonely isolating cruel disease. I cant eat in front of people ad restricted to a very small range of foods, eating with others feels like climbing a mountain and puts incredible pressure on the person.The other thing i hate is people who might say out of caring is "your looking well" this is translated your looking fat!!!!! You sound like a lovely friend just be there and dont create pressure, choose something other than eating as a shared experience, hope this helps

Hi just let her know you are there for her

When ever she need you day or nightif u can try to get her to agree to go doctor for

Help I know how she feel

Hi I an suffeng with an eating disorder and sometimes i am horrible towards my friends even tho they are only trying to help deep down i know they are tryin to help me so i always 4give them so she probaly gets angry with you but then realises you are helping. Just stay by her and listen to her if she needs support. Dont pressure her into eating if she doesnt want to let her chose what to eat. Stay string for her she needs all the support she can get. it is really scary.