How does a friend sit back and watch someone he or she loves suffer from an eating disorder? What can I do to help them is a common question asked. Unfortunately, no straight forward answer is available to this question? Every individual has many variables that combined make up why they developed Anorexia Nervosa. Family and friends want to help so much that they try to control and do things to help that the Anorexic needs to do for themselves.

It sounds so easy to say to an Anorexic “eat” and they should do that “eat.” When they don’t people around them tend to be frustrated and annoyed at the Anorexic. If possible put yourself in that person’s shoes for a minute, perhaps that experience will allow you to be empathetic for what they are experiencing.

The Anorexia eating disorder didn’t just start a month ago. By the time someone recognizes the signs and symptoms of Anorexia and realizes something isn’t right their friend has been engaged in this destructive behavior for a significant period. Anorexia Nervosa is a learned behavior that gives them a false sense of control and power.

If possible associate Anorexia Nervosa as an addiction, then perhaps you will see the pattern of addictive behavior. It may help you to understand what the Anorexic is going through. Understand also that it took time to develop this eating disorder behavior. It will take at least that amount of time to undo the behavior.

Going into an eating disorder treatment program allows the individual the opportunity to learn new coping skills to deal with life without restricting food. Eating disorders will require a lifelong constant vigilance in order to live in freedom from food.