Q&A: On the Verge of Anorexia
On the Verge of Anorexia
Question
A good, pleasant, attractive, smart, and insightful young woman, God forbid, is drastically cutting back on eating more and more.
By every measure she is declining and entering the danger zone of anorexia.
The doctor is warning about it.
People talk to her, but she denies that she has a problem.
The trouble is that everyone around her—uncles, neighbors, friends, teachers—keeps complimenting her: “Wow, you lost weight so beautifully… you look terrific, good for you,” and so on.
They think they should be encouraging, because the girl is keeping a slim figure, and they do not realize that with their compliments they are pushing her into a truly dangerous place.
What can be done?
After all, you can’t exactly walk around with a sign saying: she is in danger of anorexia; your ‘compliments’ could literally kill her.
Is there any advice?
Answer
I don’t have any. Best of luck. There are experts on the subject, and it would be worthwhile to consult them.