A person with an eating disorder suffers not only from body image issues; she may also be in denial about her condition. When you're sure that someone is suffering from bulimia, either by overeating and purging or from excessive use of laxatives or exercise, an intervention may be the only way to get her to admit her problem.
Instructions
1. Speak with her family and friends in order to bring those who love her together for the intervention. Many may already suspect what you know so suggest a meeting where all of you can compare stories and plan the intervention.
2. Smooth over any guilty feelings that may arise at the preliminary meeting. This is especially necessary for the parents and family members of the bulimia victim. Often they will recall making comments about her weight or appearance and will feel guilty. Reassure them that the important thing is the present moment and helping the victim discontinue her harmful behavior.
3. Plan your next move. The victim may not be happy that her secret is out but if everyone involved in the intervention is prepared to offer help, without judgment, she may be convinced to attend a mental health evaluation and begin treatment.
4. Arrange for everyone involved to be at a common location where the victim will be present. Choose a time when the victim is likely to be receptive to suggestions. A quiet evening at home before bedtime is a good choice.
5. Begin the intervention by telling the victim how much you love her. Everyone at the meeting should repeat this one at a time. This sets the stage for a non-confrontational intervention.
6. Proceed to explain to the victim that each person present knows that she is bulimic and that no one judges her for that. Instead, explain that an eating disorder can happen to anyone at any time and that it's no different from a vision or hearing problem. It just needs treatment to go away.
7. Prepare for some disagreement or outright denial. If the victim becomes upset or combative, don't force her to admit the problem. Stay calm and reassuring.
8. Ask for a compromise without making the victim admit she is bulimic. Say something like, "We understand but we're just asking that you attend one counseling session." Make the demand easy for her to comply with in order to win her confidence.
9. Continue with supportive comments and the request until she agrees. At that point, you've taken the first step in addressing her problem.
Tags: admit problem, eating disorder, everyone involved