How Can I Help Her?
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| Sat, 06-16-2007 - 10:41pm |
Hi Everyone,
I'm writing to ask for your suggestions about what I can do to help my friend who has bulimia. I thank you so much for reading this.
Camille is 16, and she's had problems with eating for at least the last 5 years. Her Mom is my oldest childhood friend. So I'm sort of Camille's adopted aunt. I've known something about Camille's struggle for quite a while, but all from her mother -- Camille herself has never confided in me, though I hope she feels that I'm always there for her as a friend and a supportive adult who loves her. I've always felt like I shouldn't bring the subject up myself, because I didn't want Camille to feel like I was one more adult telling her what to do. I've always tried to show her that I like & love her unconditionally.
But I just learned from Camille's mother that Camille's been diagnosed with osteoporosis and dental problems. I'm wondering now if I should do something more assertive (what?) to help Camille with this terrible problem. Her own family seem to be dealing with it by pretending nothing's wrong. Camille's Mom is about to send her off for a summer with relatives in Italy. Camille herself has told her mother that if she gets put into a treatment program, she'll run away. She says she's unhappy as she is, but nothing can make her better and she'd rather die thin than gain any weight.
I'm not Camille's mother -- I'm just a friend. I don't have the authority to make decisions about Camille's life. But I want to do whatever I can to help her. Any thoughts?
Thanks & peace.
Freya

Hi there Freya and a warm welcome to our board!
There is another board that is for family & concerned others that care about another person suffering from an eating disorder:
http://messageboards.ivillage.com/n/mb/listsf.asp?webtag=iv-prteened&nav=start&redirCnt=1
I pray and hope that things can get better for you all.
~Diana~
Hello Freya!
Camille is very lucky to have someone like you who cares. She needs as much support as she can get. I would definately check out the link that Diana suggested. They are probably best "equipped" with advice.
Good luck!
siggy by Iris (hot_toddys_mama)