how do i tell my family ive got anorexia?

i want to get better and i know i need to tell some of my family. but i mean, how do i do it? just say, hey, ive got somthing to tell you, i have anorexia? i mean it just seems such a shocking thing to burst out with and im really afriad of how people will react, with misperceptions and misunderstanding and stigma, bcuz i know eating disorders really just aren't understood by the general public. i dont want them to just say, that's weird, what's the matter with you!

how did you guys tell your families? i mean it's not an easy subject to break to someone and i just have no clue how to go about it.

Do a bit of research so you're ready to argue against stigmas. Sit down with them. Explain it slowly, calmly - do it a parent at a time if you have to. If you need to get your doctor in the picture too, to help you.

These two website pages might be worth sharing with them, as well as looking here Eating Disorders Health, Resources and Info Thread: Updated!:

Friends, Family and Carers

What You Can And Can't Do: Helping a Loved One with an Eating Disorder
FAQ of Common Recovery Questions

hmm, have your parents ever commented on how skinny you are? that would be a great time to bring up your eating anxieties.

 What every anorexic must know is that their family loves them very much. Imagine if you will that your child suddenly stopped going out as much, seems listless, starts wasting away, becomes chronically depressed, and shows nothing but a blank chalkboard for emotions. I bet we all would start suspecting alot of things, and unfortunately (in my opinion due to the corporate media's reportings on anorexia) an eating disorder will seem like the most ridiculous cause to someone who is least expecting it.

 Another thing to know is that eating disorders in themselves may very well be as ridiculous as those without them make them out to be. Keep this in the back of your head when you are letting your parents know, try and be mindful of the perspective they are coming from.

 Fortunately my mom already suspected I had anorexia, so it was easy to reach an agreement that I needed help and that I was not only wasting time, but my health, my life, and my soul.

 If my mom gave me that "Are you KIDDING me?" look I feared she would, like I figured a boy with anorexia would be treated (after all, thats the look every doctor gave me as I was shivering shirtless on their examining chairs, every rib visible) I would have stated that I am honestly at the end of my rope, I cant take anymore, and I'm trying to reach out to someone for help. I would try and honestly sit down with her, hold her hand, do anything to create an atmosphere of emotional honesty so she might take me seriously when so many other 'professionals' have not.

 Can you tell I'm bitter? Ha.

 Just know there is a 90% chance your family will say things that will make you want to explode. No one without an eating disorder can understand the unending pain and suffering of digesting your own soul for nourishment. No one. It is your job to educated your family by coming out so they will be better able to comprehend the situation and help you.

Thats my opinion. Worked for me.