Resources

 UM Campus Resources

UHS
University Health Service
207 Fletcher Street 
Appointment Scheduling                                                                                                                                          734.764.8335

www.uhs.umich.edu

 
HPCR Department                                                                                                                                                        734.763.1320
(Health Promotion and Community Relations)
Consultations and print materials at no charge. 
Contact: Kellie Carbone, Health Educator for eating disorders and body image.

CAPS
Counseling & Psychological Services
3100 Michigan Union 
734.764.8312 Information & Appointments                        
No charge for students.

www.umich.edu/~caps

The Psychological Clinic
530 Church Street 
Information & Appointments                                                                                                                                     734.764.3471
Service available to UM students as well as community members. 
Sliding fee scale available.

Online Resources

Eating disorders League of Michigan
www.edleague.com

Lists eating disorder treatment providers, services, and resources within the State of Michigan.
National Eating Disorders Association
www.nationaleatingdisorders.org

Offers educational materials, prevention programs; sponsor of Eating Disorders Awareness Week.
Men with Eating Disorders
www.menstuff.org/issues/byissue/eatingdisorders.html

Information and resources for and about men with eating disorders.
Healthy Body Image
www.bodyimagehealth.org

Addresses healthy body image and the prevention of body/eating issues.
MEDLINE Plus
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/eatingdisorders.html

National Library of Medicine's comprehensive eating disorders website.
Largess: The Network for Size Esteem
www.eskimo.com/~largesse

Resources, information, and educational handouts related to weight and body image.
National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders
www.anadenespanol.org (services in Spanish)
www.anad.org

Center for Eating Disorders
www.center4ed.org

Local resource; support groups compulsive eating recovery program.

                                             Helping a Friend

     An initial discussion about an eating disorder or eating/body image issue should occur when you and the person are alone. It is difficult to talk about these issues and denial of the problem is very common. While it is painful to know that someone you care about is hurting her/himself, you are not responsible for making sure that s/he seeks help. You can only provide information and support. Most people who have had these problems say that it takes several "caring confrontations" before they are able to see the impact of their behavior on themselves and others. While you attempt may not have immediate results, you may plant an important seed.

Guidelines for discussion:

-Keep in mind as you talk with a person who has an eating disorder or issues with eating/body image. While it is important that you keep these guidelines in mind, it is even more important that you fit them into you usual style of interacting. Not all of these suggestions may be equally helpful. Use the ones you think will work for you. 

-Plan your discussion before you begin.

-Chose a quiet place and time when you won't be interrupted. 

-Outline the points you want to make. If you feel you can better express yourself in a letter, write one. You can talk later, after your friends has had time to think about what you've said. 

-Know the basic facts regarding the behavior(s) you are discussing. Go to: wwww. uhs.umich.edu/wellness/edbi/

-Be simple and direct; proceed openly and calmly. Rushed encounters are typically not very helpful.

-Check your anger. Direct it at behavior not your friend.

-Show you care. At every available opportunity, communicate your interest and ask clarifying questions: "How do you view your behavior? How do you feel?"

-Talk about specific behaviors that you have observed. Statements like "you're too skinny!" or "you need to eat!" are not helpful.

-Maintain the offensive. Don't become defensive about your own behaviors if you have issues with food or body image. 

-Stick to the issues. Discourage a discussion about outside circumstances and rationalizations.

-Talk about how you have been affected by the person's behavior. Share how this makes you feel, but ht careful not to shift the focus to you experiences.

-Avoid, "I told you so" comments in your discussion

-Convey that this discussion is an initial step. There are caring professionals who can provide help.

-Ask what your friend needs (to charge her/his behaviors).

-Provide resource information (available at 2110 UHS).