How Can I Communicate With Someone Who Has An Eating Disorder?

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How can I communicate with someone who has an eating disorder? Content 1

​At a glance

The best way to communicate with someone who has an eating disorder is to use language that is supportive and be a good listener.

An eating disorder can result in:

• constant concern about weight and appearance
• constantly thinking about food
• feeling out of control, especially at mealtime
• overexercising.

When supporting someone with an eating disorder you should:

• listen to what the person has to say, without being judgemental
• sincerely acknowledge how hard it must be
• never pretend that you know how they feel
• ask how you can support them
• stay positive and be patient
• avoid making comments about their appearance.

Remember that when you are raising an issue, it is important to show concern and support, but avoid making the person feel shame or guilt.

Some tips to communicate effectively when raising issues include:

• having a discussion in a place that the person will feel safe
• using “I” statements to talk about your concerns e.g. “I am concerned about”, rather than “you are making me concerned”
• asking how you can support the person, rather than providing solutions or telling them what they need to do
• avoiding getting angry or showing frustration even if the person rejects your concerns.

Note: If this type of discussion is outside the scope of your role, then it is important to let your supervisor know of your observations. Also ensure you follow your organisation’s reporting and recording requirements.

Resources

Eating disorders first aid guidelinesThese guidelines are designed to help members of the public to provide first aid to someone who may be developing or experiencing an eating disorder.Type: GuidelineLength 10 pagesProduced by: Mental Health First Aid

What to say and doThis web page provides tips on how to talk to someone about an eating disorder. Different approaches will work for different people.Type: Web pageEstimated reading time: 5 minutesProduced by: National Eating Disorder Collaboration

Caring for Someone with an Eating DisorderThis resource has suggestions for what to do when supporting someone with an eating disorder.Type: ResourceEstimated reading time: 12 pagesProduced by: National Eating Disorder Collaboration

Things Not to Say To Someone With An Eating DisorderPeople with eating disorders discuss some of the myths and things said to them to highlight what you should and shouldn’t say.Type: Video | Closed captionsViewing time: 6.40 minutes Produced by: BBS ThreeWarning – Adult themes

Content 2 Current as at: Friday 19 April 2024 Contact page owner: Mental Health Content 3​

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In this section

Communicating effectively

• What is appropriate language when speaking with someone living with a mental health condition?
• How can I overcome communication barriers?
• How can I communicate with someone who has depression?
• How can I communicate with someone experiencing a panic attack?
• How can I communicate with someone experiencing psychosis?
• How can I communicate with someone who harms themselves?
• How do I respond if someone says that they want to kill themselves?

Content 4