HOW TO APPROACH A FRIEND
Show your concern and talk with her.
1. First identify what your specific concerns are.
What behaviors are you seeing that concern you?
Write them down for yourself.
2. Decide when you want to express your concerns.
3. Pick a quiet, comfortable place
4. BE SPECIFIC. Give examples of behaviors around
eating or purging behavior; behavior with you or other friends.
Are there other examples
you might use?
Try this approach:
Use "I" messages". I'm worried that I see you ________________ and
I 'm concerned about your health and well being", or "I really
care for you as a friend, and I want to be a support for you".
Try not to become over
involved.
It's not helpful to coax, bribe or yell at your friend to change her
eating
habits or ways of thinking. She will have to take charge of hew own
problem and recovery, and you can't do it for her. Bringing it out
in the
open and offering resources is your responsibility, but she will have to
want your help. If you believe she is in danger, go immediately to an
advisor, RA, counselor or health professional on or off your campus.
At CCSU, Health Services and the Counseling and Wellness
Center are equipped to handle such situations.
Don't carry it on yourself alone.
If you feel very depressed, resentful, or angry about your friend's
difficulties, get help for yourself! This may also be helpful to a friend
by
setting an example.
Resist making critical
comments about her height,
food intake or exercise habits.
If your bring up these issues, do it in a nonjudgmental, caring way,
letting her know that it concerns you. Otherwise, leave it
alone.
Talk about things other than weight and
food with
your friend.
Let her know you care about what she thinks and feels, and
that you want to be there to listen to her.
Remember your resources.
When you are concerned about someone that has a problem,
call the Counseling and Wellness Center or Health Services.
You can get advice and support from them as you approach your
friend, and they will be there as a treatment resource
for your friend and yourself.
Main Menu
|
