Steps
- Get a professional support person to help you in this matter. This could be a counselor or trusted mature friend or teacher.
- Collect some reading material that explains what eating disorders are and how they are addressed. The material should provide details about what people usually do in this matter. Print something off the internet or ask your counselor for something.
- Find a quiet time to sit your parents down and tell them. Tell them that you need to tell them something important. Give them time to collect their thoughts.
- Say something like the following, "Mom and Dad, yesterday I met with a counselor because I am worried about something. This is important. I have an eating disorder." Speak slowly and clearly.
- Give them time to absorb this and ask basic questions. Answer as best as you can, but it's fine to say that you don't know or that you don't want to answer that particular question.
- Tell them your plan of action. This could be a stay in an eating disorder clinic or counseling, or you may want them to help you decide what you want to do.
- Tell them you need their help and support.
- Give them the reading materials.
- See what happens.
Warnings
- Eating disorders are very serious! Alert someone as soon as possible
- Parents love you. They will help you no matter what!
Sources and Citations
- Something Fishy- A website on eating disorders
- National Eating Disorders Association
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