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.
Resources
TREATMENT CENTERS
Focus Healthcare of Tennessee
A Center for Eating Disorders
All levels of care
7429 Shallowford Road, Chattanooga TN 37421
FocusCenterForEatingDisorders.com
800-675-2041
Moonpointe
A Focus Center for Eating Disorders
A Knoxville Intensive Outpatient Program
FocusCenterForEatingDisorders.com
MoonpointeAFocusCenterForEatingDisorders.com
800-675-2041
Solace- A Center for the Treatment of Eating Disorders
Intensive Outpatient Services
3085 South Broad Street , Suite J
Chattanooga, TN 37408
423-752-5207
423-752-5299, fax
Susan E. Hickman, Ph.D., Psy.D. (Suite L)
www.Dr-H.net
423-508-8200
423-752-5299, fax
Jan Sherbak, Psy.D. (Suite I)
423-752-5207
423-752-5299, fax
REGISTERED DIETICIANS
Pamela C. Kelle, RD CDE LDN
Registered Dietitian/Nutrition
3085 South Broad Street, Suite J
Chattanooga, TN 37408
423-752-5207
foodcoach@comcast.net
COUNSELORS
Judy Magnussen, MA, MS, LPC-MHSP
Counseling Spiritual Direction and Eating Disorders
3069 S. Board Street, Suite 6
Chattanooga, TN 37408
423-517-7070
healingandhope@aol.com
www.elbowtree.com
Dr. Audrey L Canaff
1711 Williams Street
Chattanooga, TN 37408
423.267.4798 (home and office)
423.463.4286 (cell)
canaffa@bellsouth.net
Becky Davidson, MSW, LCSW
Tamarisk
4501 Hixson Pike
Chattanooga, TN 37343
423-870-7001
davidsonlcsw@hotmail.com
Amanda M. Blackburn, PSY.D, Provisionally Licensed Psychologist
CBI Counseling Center
1815 McCallie Avenue
Chattanooga, Tennessee 37404
ablackburn@richmont.edu www.richmont.edu
423.756.2894 phone
423.756.2899 fax
PHYSICIANS
Jane F. Gumnick, M.D.
Psychiatrist
3914 St. Elmo Avenue, Suite A
Chattanooga, TN 37409
(423) 443-9907, phone
(423) 702-5411, fax
jgumnickmd.com
Deborah Poteet-Johnson, M.D.- adolescent
105 Lee Parkway
Chattanooga, TN 37421-
423-855-9991
SUPPORT GROUPS
Eating Disorder Anonymous Support Group
Every Monday at Grace Episcopal Church
Noon - 20 Belvoir Road, Chattanooga Tennessee
Every Thursday- Solace Eating Disorder Clinic
Noon - 3097 South Broad Street, Chattanooga TN 37408
EDA groups are for patients only.
Contact Sondra Wilson for questions.
423-280-1949
http://www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org/meetings.html#TN
Support Group - MCR Foundation is excited to announce a new ANAD eating disorder support group meetings in our office.
The MCR Foundation's ANAD meetings will not meet during the summer. Please check back for the fall scheldule. Check out the other support groups listed.
Visit www.anad.org for more information about The National Association of Anorexia and Associated Disorders
Solace Clinic
4th Tuesday of each month 6-7 pm Recovery Support Group. Group is for those who have already had a higher level of treatment and are in recovery.
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
www.partnershipfca.com
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.
www.cadas.org
1-877-282-2327
