How to tell your parents you have an eating disorder

Those suffering with eating disorders are sometimes misunderstood. "It's just food," many say, but until you have anorexia nervosa or bulemia yourself, there is no real way of understanding these diseases. For many teenage girls, anorexia is a huge problem that must be combated. Young women tend to suffer the most from this disease, which eats away both their minds and bodies. If you are suffering with an eating disorder and recognize that you need help, learn how to tell your parents about this invasive disease.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Recognize that you have a problem. In any disease or addiction, the first step to recovery is admitting you, indeed, have a problem. There is no way that anyone can help you unless you want to help yourself, first and foremost.
2. Find someone you trust to talk to. It could be your mother or father, an aunt, a close friend or sibling. While, ideally, it should be someone that can help you gain professional help, anyone that cares about you will do. Really make sure this person is willing to listen to you and your needs.
3. Tell your parents the truth. They may have noticed your odd eating habits and many people that care about you may, in fact, be enabling you. The last thing they want to notice is their son or daughter withering away from an eating disorder, but they have to face reality in order for you to get the help you need.
4. Let your parents know that you struggle with a mind-altering, life-threatening sickness. They may not know the real dangers associated with eating disorders and, thus, may brush it off as if you have a choice in the matter.
5. Do some research and print out explanations of the disease before you speak to your parents. The more information they have, the better their response and actions will be afterward.
6. Consult a recovery center, hospital or psychiatrist. You may wish to check into a recovery center or visit a mental health professional for counseling. It truly depends on how bad your eating disorder is. Take your parents along with you to meet any healthcare providers.
7. Let your parents know how you feel, every step of the way. If you want to be excused from dinner, tell them why. Let them know you are not trying to be difficult. Many eating disorders are about control and, if you suffer from one, your emotions may be crying out for control of a situation that you cannot face normally or in a healthy way.

Tips & Warnings

• Associate yourself with friends and family members who understand your disease, or at least try to.
• <br>Realize that millions of people suffer from eating disorders and you, in fact, aren't alone.
• Never hurt yourself or punish yourself if you binge or starve yourself.