Quote From: bmp143After watching the show regarding eating disorders it really opened my eyes to the issue and makes me really concerned for my good freind who has been battling bulimia since high school. I have been aware that my best friend has had an eating disorder for a while. I strongly believe that a lot of her issues stem from her controling father and childhood. I ask that anyone please give me advice on how to get her the best possible help and be the supportive friend that she needs. Finally after years of therapy and going on and off meds, her family and doctor has made the descion for her to go into long term treatment. My question is what can I say or do for her to make this work. I am afraid that she is not going to make it and will want to come home. Has any of you been in long term treatment before? What is it like? She leaves this Thursday for treatment and I am terrified for her and whether or not she is going to come out of it a new improved person or worse then ever. Thank you anyone that has read my concerns and I wish you luck in your battles fighting this deadly disorder.
You are a special and wonderful person to be such a kind friend. The best adivice I can give is to implore you to treat you friend as your friend and not treat her as a bulimic; she may have bulimia but she also has may other qualities. Bulimics become expert at what they do and she needs to be reminded that her life is more than just a disease. She has value and worth and just love her. Try to keep the bulimia out of your relationship; bulimia doesn't need any more attention in her life than she already gives it.
Long term treatment has a high relapse rate and is a pleasant environment where she will be taught tools to use instead of purging, etc. She will also become expert at ways around being monitored and even pick up new ideas of others. If she is going on/off her meds, perhaps you might consider suggesting to her family that now is not the time for meds for her as between purging and not taking them, they aren't helping anyway and just present an opportunity for an overdose.
I've learned.... That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in some other way.
