For someone I care about .. Negative Self Image

[ForeverInTheWait]

Not sure if this is the right category for this but here it goes.

 

Someone I care about has endured mental abuse to the point of now hosting a distorted image of self.

 

It was brought on by a mother during child hood and a 7 year relationship.

 

Relationship with her Mom is restored and good.

Abusive spouse is a 2 year ago ex.

What remains now is someone who is absolutely amazing conditioned to standards that are self defeating.

 

1 - Eating Disorder

This results in days of not eating.

A size 6 female, seeing herself in the mirror as being 200lbs. which is not true. Will want a specific meal and turn it down because she believes people are judging her or talking about her while she eats. Things like "Oh look at that fatty". ect.

 

2. Social Anxiety

she believes when she is out in public in large group everyone is focused on her and pointing out all of her flaws, even ones that aren't real.

Example : They are talking about her chin, or her hair, or her weight.

 

 

I've never delt with this kind of thing on this kind of level, so aside from reassurance and telling her that yeah realistically when one person looks at another they make a judgement of some sort, but who are they ? And no they dont discuss it. She's beautiful.

 

I'm just reaching out to anyone with any advice I can give to her.

 

The cause of it , in her mind needs to be resolved, but how do you get rid of the damage done when it;s been made your mindset for over 15 years ?

 

Any help, advice, reading on the topic anyone has to offer is greatly appreciated.