TALKING TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS ABOUT YOUR EATING DISORDER

Below are some suggestions that may be useful when you tell someone.

• Give the person some information, or some phone numbers of relevant organisations. The EDFV (www.eatingdisorders.org.au) is happy to send you brochures or alternatively download information from this website.


• Phone an anonymous or confidential service, such as the EDAsa Support and Information line (on 8332 3466), or Lifeline (on 131 114). This can be useful to practice the words you may use, and also to see how it feels to admit it to someone else.


• Arrange for a support person to be with you if you are concerned about telling someone.


• Prepare yourself for their emotional reaction.


• Remind yourself that you are only responsible for your own thoughts, feelings and actions, not other people’s. You are not responsible for their pain, anger or guilt etc.


• Plan how you would like to respond if the person gets angry, or does not accept what you are saying. What would you like to say to them? What would you like to do?


• Consider the time and place that you will tell someone. When they are stressed or preoccupied may not be the best time to tell them.


• Remind yourself that you have taken a huge step in telling someone, regardless of their reaction.


• Write down what you would like to say, or give someone a letter.


• Debrief any unresolved feeling with a support person, counsellor etc.




Remind yourself of the importance of telling people. This process is often a valuable way to find out who will be our support network through the illness.