How to help someone with a ED?
Hi everyone!
So I have an old friend since I was around 16 years old. We still talk nowdays ocasionally.
She's a fantastic woman, 22 (same age as me) and nowdays she graduated from one of the best law universities of the country
But I've seen her "dark side". She suffered from depression, self harm and also an eating disorder. She never fully told me which one was but from what I saw and the bits she would vent to me sometimes, was anorexia and much later also bulimia.
Many times I invited her to go out to go shopping (she loves fashion) to cheer her up and she would break down about it, not eat anything. I did my very best looking for confort foods. I read that people with an eating disorder have them? So I tried it and sometimes she would actually eat! Made me so happy she did :)
Later I managed to convince her to seek help and she did. She went to her university's psychologist then psychatrist and she also went to a private therapist. She got SO much better.
However nowdays she still has "meltdowns" when she relapses and worries me to death.
She's now taking a master's very far away because the masters she wanted didn't exist in her university. So it worries me alot because I can't exactly physically reach out to her. I can't ask her to go shopping or call her so she can cry about it since she's always in classes.
Is there any tips you guys can give me? I'm far away from her but she's my only one real friend... She stayed by my side when I was at my worst and I want to be by her side.. I want to help her in any way I possibly can even for from away!
Thank you in advance 
@Booklover95
Hey there! It sounds like you've been a wonderful friend :). Eating disorders can be tough, and they're often a life-long struggle. Many people can be perfectly fine one day, and then begin having a relapse when times get really stressful for them. While you aren't a therapist, your presence can make (and has made) a huge difference in your friend's life. As humans, we all struggle from time to time, and knowing that we have support system can really make a difference. Perhaps reaching out to your friend and letting her know that you want to be there for her in whatever capacity you can will help her greatly? You mentioned you convinced her to seek help in the past. Perhaps helping her find a therapist in her area would help as well, just in case she feels she needs help finding ways to manage the stress life can put on us sometimes. Also, remember that we're a community, and your friend is always welcome! Best of wishes :)
@LiamListens97
Oh that's such great advice! Never thought of recommending her local help. Thank you so much!
And oh for sure I will tell her about 7cups. The community is wonderfull