Anorexia: Learning to Trust Others

Topic Overview

Sometimes people who have anorexia find it difficult to trust the family, friends, health professionals, and other caring people who are trying to help them. There are many reasons for this, ranging from anxiety about losing control and gaining weight to confused thinking because of malnutrition. And it can be hard to trust a whole new way of eating, exercising, and taking care of yourself.

If you are diagnosed with an eating disorder, it may take some time to develop trust in the people who are trying to help. But you can do it with practice.

• Listen to what others are saying about healthy eating. Avoid looking for ways to argue back.
• Ask to read some information that supports what others say about food.
• Learn about what is included in a balanced diet. Then discuss what you have learned with the people who are trying to help.
• Let people know how you are feeling. Listen to how others are feeling.
• Try to concentrate on one goal at a time. This helps to keep things simple.
• Accept support and feedback from other people.
• Focus on your breathing to calm yourself when you start to feel anxious.