I'm scared for my friend.

[LyraDragonStar]

My friend is developing an eating disorder. I'm not sure what you'd call it cuz I always get them confused. Anyway, it's really starting to scare me, but I don't know what to do about it.

She has started to eat less and has begun puking it up after she eats it. Yet, she has no problem telling me about it. On the phone yesterday, she told me she has lost over 15 pounds in the last month. She was never fat, ever, so many people have told her that she's not, but she still persists in this binge and purge thing.

I don't think another girl in our group of friends is helping much either. This girl (let's call her Sarah {I don't want to use real names} likes to tease or joke around with my friend (let's call her Jane). I will say something to Jane about how she's actually EATING today, and then Jane will say something about how she's hungry, but she's not gonna eat a lot. I'll tell her she should eat it cuz she's NOT fat. And Sarah will say something about her being fat and I'm afraid taht's not helping Jane much.

She says this has been going on for about a month now. It seriously scares me, but I don't know what I can do about it. I have tried to my best abilities to help her, I've referred her to people that I know and trust that I think might help her, but it doesn't seem to be working.

What do I do? I can't just stand there watching her loose weight like that.

[LyraDragonStar]

Anyone?

[Aleia Darkchild]

It sounds like she has bullimea. Be there for your friend, support her.Boost her self confidence if you can. Find out all you can about what she is doing( both from her and from sights that have info on) and if it gets to the point where she is endangering herself for the goddesses sake tell someone.I know some teens do it as a fad.( don't start baying for my blood, i have known people too).

Also, if she wants to lose weight it might be good to suggest healthier, more dietaryily safe ways.

[LyraDragonStar]

I've tried talking to her. I am possibly the only one of her friends that's there for her all the time. She knows exactly where to find me if she needs me, and I know she will. It's just scaring me because I feel so helpless.

I've tried to tell her that doing this only causes problems, that there are healthier ways to loose weight, but she doesn't want to listen.

That's a good idea to look up sites on the matter.

[Fire's Shadow]

Sounds like a rock and hard place. If her Bulimia is coupled with depression issues, she might not come finding you, you will have to come to her. Advise her to get help if you really feel she has a problem. Also, Aleia is right. You've got to know the enemy, and this time the enemy is Bulimia.

Here (http://www.mamashealth.com/bulimia.asp) is a good place to begin. Don't push on her too hard to where she pushes you away, but make sure she knows about your concern. Be strong, Lyra, and may the God and Goddess protect you and your friend.

[LyraDragonStar]

Thanks. she is also struggling with depression and all of that. I just don't want her to do something stupid. I've known her for 9 years. *sigh*

And thanks for the link.

[wolf]

You might not like this idea, but ... tell her parents.

They might not be aware of what's going on.

Support her, but not what she's doing.

If she's truly anorexic or bulemic even being told that she could very likely die will not change her behavior.

You can find out if there are any eating disorder specialists in your area ... Any information I have is Philadelphia specific.

[dragonsfollower]

i aree with everyone tell her parents yet keep suporting her and make sure she knows that if some ones saying she fat and calls herself a friend.... their not her friend people will always degrade some one to make them feel better about themself (turst me i was the one chosen for this in high school) tell her that your concerned and that she shouldnt care what others think as long as she is happy with herself and her life try to get her to talk and see if there are underlaying family problems behind her depression agin trust me evry little bit helps im sending luck and protective energy maby it'll help aswell:thumbsup:

[BrigidMoon]

You might not like this idea, but ... tell her parents.

They might not be aware of what's going on.

Support her, but not what she's doing.

If she's truly anorexic or bulemic even being told that she could very likely die will not change her behavior.

You can find out if there are any eating disorder specialists in your area ... Any information I have is Philadelphia specific.

I totally agree with wolf here at this point.

[BrigidMoon]

LyraDragonStar,

I sincerely hope you have a wonderful new year!

:hugz:

[LyraDragonStar]

Thanks, Brigid Moon!

As for my friend. I think she might still be at it. I'm not sure though. She still thinks she's fat and goes on and on about it. I do think she's lost weight, though.

I try to be there for her whenever. She knows she can trust me and I will listen to all her problems and offer the best advice I have. Sometimes she'll take it, sometimes she won't. But she's still so depressed all the time. I just don't know what to do about her. lol.

I'm not sure how I'd go about telling her parents. Her mom doesn't seem to set any ground rules for her. She lets her do all kinds of things..and then my friend gets mad if her step dad sets rules and whatnot.

I don't think that's right, is it?

[morningstar2651]

You might not like this idea, but ... tell her parents.

They might not be aware of what's going on.

Support her, but not what she's doing.

If she's truly anorexic or bulemic even being told that she could very likely die will not change her behavior.

You can find out if there are any eating disorder specialists in your area ... Any information I have is Philadelphia specific.
Bulemia kills. Don't take bulemia lightly. This advice is very good.