how you can help.

whether you're a patient, a friend or family member of a patient, or even if you have no personal ties to eating disorders at all, there are simple things you can do to help.

1. spread awareness. eating disorders are a serious disease. it is not a lifestyle choice that people choose, and it's all too common for them to be seen as such. there is so much ignorance around eating disorders and one of my biggest goals is to stop it. there are far too many jokes and we can either let them slide, or make people aware of what they're talking about. say something.

2. don't be so quick to judge. be careful what you say to people you don't know so well. you never know what is going on in someone else's life. it always made me angry when people would make comments like, "oh my god, how do you stay so thin?!" if only they knew.

3. educate yourself. if you know someone with an eating disorder, the best thing you can do is read up. from what i have heard (soon to know for myself) is that life without Ed is one of the best books for loved ones to read to help them understand the relationship between patient and eating disorder. talk to NEDA. go to MEDA's "hope&inspiration" meetings, or any of the many support groups created specifically for family and friends. visit the links down the sides and educate yourself on the facts. then go back and read #1.

4. make a donation. you can donate to either NEDA or MEDA quickly and easily. your donations go towards medical research and fighting for the insurance coverage that so many patients get kicked out of treatment for not having.

here is a great list of things to do, say, and - most importantly - not to say when someone you love has an eating disorder or is reflecting symptoms of possibly having one. if you click on the screenshot, it will bring you to the original page for better legibility.

[the above was taken from the MEDA website.]

if you have any questions, feel free to contact me or to check out the N/MEDA websites for more information.