|
|
|
|
Once you have admitted to yourself that you have an eating disorder, you are faced with another step; to seek support. Telling someone can be very difficult especially for the first time. You may feel embarrassed, guilty or ashamed. Possibly, you may also feel afraid of the person's reaction.
 Although we can never predict someone else's behaviour, we can spend hours wondering how they may react when we tell them. Often we think of a negative scenario, to prepare ourselves for the worst. However, the only way we are ever going to know how someone will react is if we take the risk to tell them. It can be useful to remind yourself of the benefits of telling someone, such as getting support and not having to hide a secret anymore.
It may be useful to consider who you would like to tell. It may be a friend, a family doctor, a family member, or a partner. People will have varying reactions; some may be surprised, uncomfortable, confused, or worried. Others may be angry, scared and unsure of what to say. Some may have seen the signs and are glad you have told them.
Remind yourself that they may need a few days to deal with their own feelings and reactions. If you have a negative experience telling someone, it is important that you don't let this stop you from getting the professional help and support you deserve. Consider who else you may tell such as a friend, family member or professional.
Below are some suggestions that may be useful when you tell someone.
- Give the person some information, or some phone numbers of relevant organisations. The EDFV is happy to send you brochures and reading lists that you may pass on to family and friends.
- Phone an anonymous or confidential service, such as the EDFV support and information line, or Lifeline. This can be useful to practice the words you may use, and also to see how it feels to admit it to someone else.
- If you are concerned about telling someone such as your family, you may like to have a friend or someone else with you.
- Prepare yourself for their emotional reaction.
- Remind yourself that you are only responsible for your own thoughts, feelings and actions, not other people’s. You are not responsible for their pain, anger or guilt etc.
- Plan how you would like to respond if the person gets angry, or does not accept what you are saying. What would you like to say to them? What would you like to do?
 Consider the time and place that you will tell someone. When they are stressed or preoccupied may not be the best time to tell them.- Remind yourself that you have taken a huge step in telling someone, regardless of their reaction.
- Write down what you would like to say, or give someone a letter.
- Remind yourself of the importance of telling people. This process is often a valuable way to find out who will be our support network through the illness.
Download the Information Sheet
|
|
