While this isn't exactly a help site, most people on here are more than willing and happy to lend advice to anybody who needs it. What's on your mind?

We've known each other for a year or two so we're not that close (she's a friend of a friend) and I just saw her recently for the first time this summer and she lost a lot of weight. I mean it's good to lose a little bit of weight but she lost a lot. So much so she doesn't look the same. I hardly recognize her. So I confronted some other friends and we're all a little worried. She has been know to not eat much at meals and we all know she's been struggling with anorexia for the past year. The problem is she's told her mom but her mom says "you'll get over it". She's not open about her struggle but I think I need to tell someone I just don't know who.
PS I'm terrible at grammar sorry

Also this is a high school setting.

First off, hey! Welcome to funsub hope you like it here.
Secondly, I'm glad you brought your friends attention to this problem, smart move. I had a similar problem during highschool with one of my close friends. Anorexia is difficult as it can be brought about by many different things in the individuals life and based off what your friends mum said, she doesn't sound very supportive so it could be a contributor (could be, not saying it is). From experience the main things that can lead to anorexia is family life so unfortunately there's not much you can do except let your friend know you are here to support her and reassure her that she isn't alone. If you can, try and educate her mum on the seriousness of the issue as this is a mental disorder that can spiral really quickly if not sorted out early on. If you think it's getting serious then tell a teacher so they can contact her family, as teachers usually have more influence over parents than peers would.

I would avoid pressuring her to talk, encourage her to express her feelings but don't push. Suggest she seeks professional help but don't straight out say "you have a problem, get help". As her friend you can try to lead by example, eat around her as you normally would, offer food (don't push if she doesn't accept). Talk about your own feelings, talk about how peer pressure effects you or how there's no such thing as a "perfect body", she might not open up but it helps to show you are willing to be vulnerable so maybe she can be too. I'm sorry there isn't an easy solution, there never is when it comes to mental disorders but a big thing is THIS IS NOT YOUR RESPONSIBILITY. Yes, you are her friend but don't expend your energy and time (especially since you're in highschool where there's lots of work) worrying or looking after her. You can only do so much. Just ask if you want clarification on what I'm saying, it could be a mess I have the flu so I could be writing nonsense rn.

Thanks for the advice. I understand it :) I feel better telling someone. Even if it's strangers on the internet :P

Hi and welcome! I Agree with parisqeen. Eating disorders are mental illnesses. Few are only about “looking thin,” even those that start thinking that is the reason. I have friends in their 30’s still dealing with the consequences of teen eating disorders, as well as still fighting the behavior. Therapy isn’t always needed, but more often than not it is a huge help. It hurts seeing a human, especially a friend, self destruct- but you can’t fprce help on a person. Be there, be supportive- don’t glorify it or make it a source of attention (people often use self destructive behavior to seek attention,) but do be open and there. Work with your group to support her, don’t be combative or try “tough love” as that can make things worse. Let her know people are worried and it isn’t healthy, and talk to teachers, parents, or councilors if she doesn’t seek help. It’s easy to hide an eating disorder and some people have them without being rail thin. Be alert. But she has to want to change.

I'll take it all into consideration. Thank you :)

Guest's last point is very big factor. The friend I mentioned has only just started therapy, she's been dealing with her eating disorder for about 14 years and majority of it was for attention that went too far. The want to change is how she is going to start improving, nothing is going to happen unless she wants herself to get better. You can help her do that by being supportive and just being yourself, don't baby her. Good luck bud

I dont have friends, so... Ye....