How to Talk to a Teen About Anorexia

Anorexia, the eating disorder that is most often characterized by starvation and a distorted body image, is a serious issue in the for many teens. Whether you think a teen in your life is suffering from anorexia or is friends with someone who suffers from the condition, your should open the lines of communication about this dangerous eating disorder.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Choose a time to talk about anorexia when your teen and you won't be interrupted. This is not a conversation to have in a car or before school in the morning. Make sure you have plenty of time to cover everything.
2. Start the discussion on a friendly note by either admitting your concerns about a possible eating disorder or by sharing your observations. Your teen may not be immediately responsive.
3. Stay calm and factual during the entire conversation. There are informational resources available at local libraries, your doctor's office and on the Internet.
4. Be clear that there are clear differences between losing weight through moderate diet and exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and suffering from anorexia. Teens often justify this extreme behavior by claiming they need to lose weight or want to follow a healthy diet.
5. Stay supportive. One conversation about anorexia will not solve the problem, nor lead to the complete understanding of the illness. This will be a long process and your teen will need your support through the entire duration.
6. If your intervention fails, seek medical attention for your child. Anorexia can lead to permanent medical problems and even death. This is not an illness that can usually be cured by parents alone.