What to do if you suspect someone with an eating disorder:
Set aside a time to talk to the person in a loving manner in a private and supportive environment
Explain to the person that you are worried about their health and that you have noticed changes in him or her that concern you. Be specific.
Do not use words that would define a person’s physical appearance. Stay away from words such as, “thin”, skinny”, “sickly”, “fat”, “fluffy”, “big” or any reference to certain body parts. Instead say, “I am afraid you are not eating in a healthy manner and that you may be doing permanent damage to your body. What can I do to help you?” Or, “While it may seem fine to you, to me it appears you are out of control and I am worried about you.”
Use “I” statements. Ex: “I am worried about your skipping meals” instead of, “You missed supper” and “You have to eat.”
Allow the person to respond to your comments and let them know that you are there to support them in any manner.
Suggest that this person visit a physician and offer to make the appointment as well as accompany them.
Suggest visits with a therapist and possibly explore the idea of a treatment center or program.
Do not be their food police or exercise monitors. This is not really about food and fitness. They need help with their feelings.
If the person does not respond, denies the problem, or refuses to seek help, go by yourself to get advice from a professional on what to do next. DO NOT WAIT!!! The possible consequences are too serious.
TREATMENT CENTERS
Focus Healthcare of Tennessee
A Center for Eating Disorders
Residential inpatient facility
7429 Shallowford Road, Chattanooga TN 37421
www.focuscenterforeatingdisorders.com
800-675-2041
Moonpointe
A Focus Center for Eating Disorders
A Knoxville Intensive Outpatient Program
FocusCenterForEatingDisorders.com
MoonpointeAFocusCenterForEatingDisorders.com
800-675-2041
REGISTERED DIETICIANS
Pamela C. Kelle, RD CDE LDN
Registered Dietitian/Nutrition
1238 Hanover St., Chattanooga, TN 37405
423-991-3422
yourownfoodcoach.com
COUNSELORS
Dr. Audrey L Canaff
1711 Williams Street
Chattanooga, TN 37408
423-267-4798 (home and office)
423.463.4286 (cell)
Wise Mind Collective:
Christy Call, NCC, LPC-MHSP, LMFT
Abby Horton, NCC, MA
Erin Hatcliff, MA
620 Lindsay St., Suite 240
Chattanooga, TN 37403
423 763 7253
christycall.lpc.lmft@wisemindcollective.com
Erin Rayburn, LMFT, LPC-MHSP, NCC, EAGALA
748 Overbridge Lane
Chattanooga, TN 37405
(423) 218-4940
JAN F. SHERBAK, PSYD, CEDS
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
3097 BROAD STREET
CHATTANOOGA, TN 37408
423.752.5207 EXT. 10
CBI Counseling Center
1815 McCallie AvenueChattanooga, Tennessee 37404
423-756-2894 phone
423-756-2899 fax
PHYSICIANS
Deborah Poteet-Johnson, M.D.- adolescent
3097 Broad St.
Chattanooga, TN 37408
423.752.5207
SUPPORT GROUPS
Please visit The National Eating Disorder Association
http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/find-help-support
Eating Disorder Anonymous Sunday – 6:00p.m- Call Focus for more information
Please visit Focus’ website for more information
http://focustreatmentcenters.com/focus-on-eating-disorders/
http://www.yourownfoodcoach.com/disordered-eating/
OTHER SERVICES
Crisis Resource Center
Partnership for Families, Children and Adults
1800 McCallie Avenue
Chattanooga, TN 37404
(423) 697-3807
(423) 755-2700, Crisis Hotline
Services offered: Counseling and Support Services; Crisis and Emergency Services;
Education and Prevention Services; Specialized Support Services for Adult and Aged;
Family and Individual Counseling; Education and Prevention Services
CADAS
Council for Alcohol and Drub Abuse Services
The Council for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services (CADAS) opened its doors in 1975 to offer the highest quality treatment, prevention and educational services to the chemically dependent, their families and the community at large.
1-877-282-2327