Resources for Body Image & Eating Disorders
HOW TO HELP SOMEONE WITH AN EATING DISORDER
You cannot force someone to seek help, change their habits, or adjust their attitudes. You will make important progress in honestly sharing your concerns, providing support, and knowing where to go for more information! People struggling with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge eating disorder do need professional help. These is help available and there is hope!
If you are reading this, chances are you are concerned about the eating habits, weight, or body image of someone you care about. We understand that this can be a very difficult and scary time for you but, be assured, you are doing a great thing by looking for more information! This list may not tell you everything you need to know about what to do in your specific situation, but it will give you some helpful ideas on what to do to help your friend.
- Learn as much as you can about eating disorders. Read books, articles, and brochures.
- Know the differences between facts and myths about weight, nutrition, and exercise. Knowing the facts will help you reason against any inaccurate ideas that your friend may be using as excuses to maintain their disordered eating patterns.
- Be honest. Talk openly and honestly about your concerns with the person who is struggling with eating or body image problems. Avoiding it or ignoring it won't help!
- Be caring, but firm. Caring about your friend does mean being manipulated by them. Your friend must be responsible for their actions and the consequences of those actions. Avoid making rules, promises, or expectations that you cannot or will not uphold. For example, "I promise not to tell anyone." Or, "if you do this one more time I'll never talk to you again."
- Compliment your friend's wonderful personality, successes, or accomplishments. Remind your friend that "true beauty" is not simply skin deep.
- Be a good role model in regard to sensible eating, exercise, and self-acceptance.
- Tell someone. It may seem difficult to know when, it at all, to tell someone else about your concerns. Addressing body image or eating problems in their beginning stages offers your friend the best chance for working through these issues and becoming healthy again. Don't wait until the situation is so severe that your friend's life is in danger. Your friend needs as much support and understanding as possible.
Campus Resources
- Offers nutrition counseling and education for OSU college students
Counseling and Consultation Service
- Offers counseling and therapy to help address personal, academic, and career concerns.
Community Resources
The Center for Balanced Living
- Offers outpatient treatment and education programs for those struggling with eating disorders.
National Resources
National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD)
National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA)
Videos
- Fight the Stigma
- Dove Campaign "Evolution"
- Dove Campaign "Onslaught" (warning: graphic content)
Body Image and Health Task Force
The Body Image & Health Task Force was established in 1996. It was created by concerned individuals over issues of anorexia, bulimia, excessive exercise, laxative and diuretic abuse, fad dieting and disorders dealing with body hatred and self-mutilation that are present at The Ohio State University campus. This collaborative group is comprised of various disciplines and departments from around the campus community.
The mission of the Body Image & Health Task Force is to encourage healthy behaviors related to body image by challenging prevailing norms and providing resources. This group's vision is to encourage the acceptance of individualism and foster self-esteem in a positive, healthy manner for all university members.
Visit their website or e-mail Nancy Rudd for more information.