How do I help my bulimic best friend?

First off, let me say she’s very lucky to have a friend like you- someone who is concerned about her, and wants to get some help for her. Big ups to you! :)

Ideally, your friend needs to get professional help from a counsellor. Unfortunately, you may have some trouble convincing her to see someone to talk to about it, but persistence pays off. Counsellors are generally great at what they do- sometimes you might not feel a certain counsellor is right for you, and it’s fine to look for another one you can be more comfortable with. All in all, it’s about getting back on track.

Most bullemics already know the general stuff about bullemia- causes irreversible damage to your body, rots your teeth, strips you esophagus, etc. While you can remind her of those facts, I find it’s more effective if you try telling her how her bullemia makes you feel, and how it affects you- how awful it is to watch what she does to herself. Tell her how much you’d miss having her around if this thing kills her, how much stuff she’s going to miss out on. Remember, people have to want to make the change for the better. Sometimes it takes someone to remind them what’s worth living for.

Best of luck to you, and your friend. With support, and willpower, she can beat this!