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    Teen FAQ

    For over 10 years, teens have been asking us questions on every topic imaginable. While we are no longer taking new questions, we have a wealth of information we would like to share with teenagers.

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    Navigate: FAQ Home Page > Eating Disorder > Friend throws up
    Posted on: 02/19/2008

    Question

    My friend used to make herself through up and im scared she might be still doing it. i love her and try to trust her but i don't know if i can anymore, she just keeps on LOSING WEIGHT??!! Do you think that i should tell someone(her mom) ??? Someone help =/ thanks a lot!

    Answer

    You are clearly a thoughtful and good friend. The tricky issue with eating disorders is that it is easy to start and for some people extremely difficult to stop. We have some information on eating disorders on this website that you might try to share with you friend. www.pamf.org/preteen/mybody/bodyscience/ae/eatingdisorders.html and www.pamf.org/teen/life/bodyimage/eating-disorders.html.

    Generally it?s a good idea to deal with friends directly if possible. However, if you know she will not discuss this with you or listen to you then talking with her mother makes sense. You have various options such as two or three of you talking to her mother so you are not seen as the only one who is concerned or asking that the mother treat this information confidentially as you do not want to jeopardize your friendship. Sometimes a form of caring is doing something that a friend may not like at the time but in the long run is wise. Good Luck!


    Answered By:
    Gina Earle , LCSW


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