My friend is anorexic. She is 17 years old and has been ill for 6 years. I know that at home her parents make sure that she eats at least a little, but we are going away soon for 5 days and I'm afraid that something will happen to her if she doesn't eat anything. Should I make her eat? What to do if she doesn't eat anything? After all, I can't let her starve herself to death.
I'm afraid you overestimate your responsibility in the first place. And you take on too much. Your friend will do what she wants anyway and do not delude yourself that you have a big influence on it. You are not responsible for this and it is not your role. I understand your willingness to help - it's so natural. But at the same time, it creates an unnatural strain on your relationship. You can, of course, offer her food, encourage her to eat together, but how exactly do you imagine "being forced"? Will you hold her hands? Block your nose? Or maybe feed in your sleep? Be sensible. If someone doesn't want to eat, they won't. Naturally in an outpatient setting. Anorexia always has a psychological and social background and the treatment in these fields determines the well-being, the development of the disease and the future of such a person. I hope that your friend is treated, although it is not so much from the fact that she has been ill since the age of eleven. Merely "guarding" is definitely not enough. Her parents absolutely should take more decisive steps instead of waiting for something bad to happen.
Remember that our expert's answer is informative and will not replace a visit to the doctor.
Tatiana Ostaszewska-MosakHe is a clinical he alth psychologist.
Graduated from the Faculty of Psychology at the University of Warsaw.
She has always been particularly interested in the issue of stress and its impact on human functioning.
She uses her knowledge and experience at psycholog.com.pl and at the Fertimedica Fertility Center.
She completed a course in integrative medicine with the world-famous professor Emma Gonikman.
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