https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 15 Apr 2026 18:06:06 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-if-you-suspected-an-eating-disorder/page/2#post-2304455 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 17:29:20 +0000 HabesBabe 2304455@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@.twist.: "I went to one of my co-workers to ask if she'd noticed the smell and she says that she hasn't. I told her that I believe it was the one blonde girl that works there..."</p> <p>I interpreted that as gossiping/talking about her. In either case, I'm glad that you weren't thinking of confronting her. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-if-you-suspected-an-eating-disorder/page/2#post-2304419 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 16:19:03 +0000 .twist. 2304419@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@HabesBabe: No one is gossiping about it. I mentioned the smell of puke to another co-worker, found out the girl I'm thinking of is a fitness trainer and, along with everything else I have noticed, I have put the pieces together myself. It was literally a comment in passing. Not to mention, again, I do not even work in the same office as this woman. We are in completely separate entities. I just want it to be clear that no one is gossiping or talking about her. </p> <p>Thank you all for your suggestions and advice. I will keep it all in mind as I would like to be as sensitive to this issue as possible. I also keep seeing people telling me to not confront her, like I maybe mentioned that I would?! haha It was never my plan to confront her, only an option in the poll. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-if-you-suspected-an-eating-disorder/page/2#post-2302952 Sat, 26 Sep 2015 13:11:48 +0000 Madison43 2302952@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@HabesBabe: agree completely. </p> <p>As for her leaving "evidence" in the bathroom, our toilets at work are terrible. No matter how many times you flush, if you look in the toilet a few minutes later, there is always shredded up toilet paper floating there, so it's possible she thinks she's cleaning up after herself. As for the smell, it's a bathroom, so yeah.... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-if-you-suspected-an-eating-disorder/page/2#post-2302935 Sat, 26 Sep 2015 12:10:28 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2302935@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Applesandbananas: ok. I missed that comment. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-if-you-suspected-an-eating-disorder/page/2#post-2302928 Sat, 26 Sep 2015 11:50:43 +0000 Applesandbananas 2302928@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@T.H.O.U.: "I'd put a sign on the stall door asking that people clean up their own vomit or ensure its flushed." That's what I feel is completely heartless. It's not like OP said vomit was smeared all over the stall or anything like that, so I find the idea of posting a sign about cleaning up your vomit, especially when a health issue is suspected, to be an awful thing to do.</p> <p>I don't think raising employee awareness about available resources is a bad idea or cruel, but I think that should be left up to HR for that employee's company. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-if-you-suspected-an-eating-disorder/page/2#post-2302916 Sat, 26 Sep 2015 11:07:31 +0000 ms.line 2302916@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@T.H.O.U.: I think a general sign in a general area about an EAP is fine. I think a sign about ED resources in "her" stall (as it was suggested) is hurtful and embarrassing. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-if-you-suspected-an-eating-disorder/page/2#post-2302915 Sat, 26 Sep 2015 11:04:32 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2302915@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Applesandbananas: @ms.line: just trying to understand how is putting up a sign cruel heartless and humiliating? </p> <p>I think a sign placed in a shared common location advertising the general Employee Assistance Program EAP offered through the office is just a basic tool that is put out there for everyone. Maybe it was posted for someone going through a divorce. Or struggling with work issues. I think advertising for a program that can help all employees and reminding everyone that it's available is a good thing all around. </p> <p>It's not like it would be a flier that says hey you, call this number for your eating disorder. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-if-you-suspected-an-eating-disorder/page/2#post-2302910 Sat, 26 Sep 2015 10:39:23 +0000 stargal 2302910@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Applesandbananas: Yes I totally degree, I was shocked when I read that.</p> <p>also, I would not confront her. the other week I had a stranger come up to me at Wal-Mart when I was buying my weight loss shakes and confront me about having an eating disorder (which I do not at all) and I know the girl was genuinely trying to help (was in recovery herself and very sweet about it) but she was so far off. It was very uncomfortable and made me feel so self conscious. you just don't know someone's story. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-if-you-suspected-an-eating-disorder/page/2#post-2302909 Sat, 26 Sep 2015 10:37:59 +0000 ms.line 2302909@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Agree with @HabesBabe, don't do anything. Putting up a sign would be very humiliating and stir up office gossip. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-if-you-suspected-an-eating-disorder/page/2#post-2302907 Sat, 26 Sep 2015 10:30:42 +0000 Applesandbananas 2302907@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think putting up signs would be cruel and heartless. This is a human being with some kind of health issue, whether it be an eating disorder, a pregnancy, or who knows, it could even be cancer or something! Who the heck knows?! </p> <p>I think you're very kind-hearted to want to try to help her. I think a call to their HR department would be the best you could do. Let them find a way to communicate to that employee or maybe they can post signs about their resources for employees (we have counseling programs and things like that and every now and then the company will just do a few emails or new signs, to remind us that those resources are available). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-if-you-suspected-an-eating-disorder/page/2#post-2302882 Sat, 26 Sep 2015 09:02:48 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2302882@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Bathroom cleanliness falls under building maintenance. I'd send them a letter in writing about your concerns- smell, flushing etc. Let them put up signs, add air freshners, and increase cleaning. After the letter campaign clog up their voicemail until they take action.</p> <p>@HabesBabe: agree with you on the gossip. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-if-you-suspected-an-eating-disorder/page/2#post-2302811 Fri, 25 Sep 2015 23:57:39 +0000 HabesBabe 2302811@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Do nothing, seriously. Don't put up signs, don't leave pamphlets, don't talk to HR. The best thing you can do is stop the gossip cycle and no longer bringing it up to other women in the office. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-if-you-suspected-an-eating-disorder/page/2#post-2302738 Fri, 25 Sep 2015 19:37:33 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2302738@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would consider going to HR but maybe after watching a bit longer and getting more evidence. If she's pregnant you would know in a few weeks. If not, that gives you some time to watch and put up the sign. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-if-you-suspected-an-eating-disorder/page/2#post-2302692 Fri, 25 Sep 2015 18:21:44 +0000 babypugs 2302692@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think I would write an anonymous note to HR, possibly not even mentioning names. Perhaps someone on staff is trained to handle difficult personnel problems of the emotional variety? Honestly, I don't think I could stand going into the bathroom knowing there was a good chance I'd see, smell, or hear vomit, and there's a good chance that it's stressing others out as well. Tough situation...I'm sorry you have to deal with it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-if-you-suspected-an-eating-disorder/page/2#post-2302496 Fri, 25 Sep 2015 14:56:54 +0000 daniellemybelle 2302496@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I feel like @yoursilverlining's suggestion is a good idea if you just have to do something. </p> <p>I would probably mind my own business, though. I'm not super religious but in those situations I will usually say a prayer because that is the only thing I can really think to do for them. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-if-you-suspected-an-eating-disorder/page/2#post-2302479 Fri, 25 Sep 2015 14:44:52 +0000 .twist. 2302479@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@yoursilverlining: Thanks! That may work. I'll think about it a little more and see how I feel in a few days but I like this as an option. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-if-you-suspected-an-eating-disorder#post-2302469 Fri, 25 Sep 2015 14:34:26 +0000 agold 2302469@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@yoursilverlining: This is a great idea! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-if-you-suspected-an-eating-disorder#post-2302468 Fri, 25 Sep 2015 14:33:47 +0000 agold 2302468@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LindsayInNY: Ha! This is a funny suggestion that made me laugh out loud. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-if-you-suspected-an-eating-disorder#post-2302461 Fri, 25 Sep 2015 14:29:55 +0000 Mama Bird 2302461@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't think approaching her would do anything. If she goes out of her way not to be noticed, she'll probably just find another bathroom so she doesn't have to run into you. Though I like @yoursilverlining's idea! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-if-you-suspected-an-eating-disorder#post-2302446 Fri, 25 Sep 2015 14:24:40 +0000 erinpye 2302446@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Do not say anything to her. Unfortunately you can't help her. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-if-you-suspected-an-eating-disorder#post-2302332 Fri, 25 Sep 2015 13:32:37 +0000 lamariniere 2302332@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I once had a housemate who was purging. One of our other housemates noticed and brought it to my attention. We never said anything to the 3rd girl about it though as neither of us felt very close to her (she basically just slept at our place and was gone a lot). I don't really have any advice, but I don't think approaching her is the solution. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-if-you-suspected-an-eating-disorder#post-2302245 Fri, 25 Sep 2015 12:44:55 +0000 yoursilverlining 2302245@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Sorry if this has already been suggested, but if she has a stall she prefers to use (and let’s admit it, most of us have “our” stalls!), maybe you could tape a sign on the inside of the door about ED resources. Don’t write anything on it like “worried about you” or anything, just tape it up and leave it there for a few days. I’m sure she’s aware of her issue though, and will only seek out help when ready. It’s so hard to watch someone though, and not try to help. :bummed: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-if-you-suspected-an-eating-disorder#post-2302239 Fri, 25 Sep 2015 12:41:22 +0000 LindsayInNY 2302239@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@.twist.: Man that is awkward!! I would never be able to pee if she was just sitting in there, LOL! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-if-you-suspected-an-eating-disorder#post-2302235 Fri, 25 Sep 2015 12:36:43 +0000 blackbird 2302235@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@.twist.: ah poor girl. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-if-you-suspected-an-eating-disorder#post-2302228 Fri, 25 Sep 2015 12:27:24 +0000 .twist. 2302228@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LindsayInNY: It is a really strange thing to observe. She usually has a couple bags with her and I'm pretty sure she does her make up in there while she waits people out. You can hear clicks and zips and suctions, like mascara or make up compacts. I feel like I sound like such a creep, but that is just what I hear while I'm in the bathroom. I'm not trying to stake her out or anything! This has been going on for 4 months, I've had time to notice these things. haha </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-if-you-suspected-an-eating-disorder#post-2302219 Fri, 25 Sep 2015 12:22:06 +0000 LindsayInNY 2302219@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@.twist.: Sneaky and creepy!! You think she'd at least turn around so her feet face the right way! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-if-you-suspected-an-eating-disorder#post-2302217 Fri, 25 Sep 2015 12:21:20 +0000 .twist. 2302217@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@TemperanceBrennan: What if she is the HR girl? HA. That would be awkward. I have zero clue what these people do for their jobs or even their names. But yea, I feel really helpless just watching this all go down.</p> <p>@blackbird: I've tried to time it so that we exit the stalls at the same time and wash out hands together, but she is so fast and she doesn't make a peep while someone else is in there. She will stand in the stall until everyone leaves. I only know she's standing because her feet are pointed in the wrong direction from the toilets. She's super sneaky. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-if-you-suspected-an-eating-disorder#post-2302207 Fri, 25 Sep 2015 12:14:23 +0000 blackbird 2302207@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@.twist.: ah gotcha. Ok that's a very awkward/weird situation, then. Maybe you could just try to bump into her and ask her if she's ok. I don't think i could just ignore it and be complacent. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-if-you-suspected-an-eating-disorder#post-2302205 Fri, 25 Sep 2015 12:13:32 +0000 TemperanceBrennan 2302205@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@.twist.: I have a similar set-up to you. My office (only me and men) share an private area of bathrooms (not accessible to the public) with another tenet in the building so the only contact I have with the women in this office is when we are in the bathroom at the same time. It's strange how intimate it can be and how you can pick up on others' bathroom habits. As gross/crazy as this sounds, I can tell which woman is peeing based on just the sound. </p> <p>If I were in the situation, I would probably email the HR department of the other company and say that I share the bathroom and I noticed that there is regularly a strong smell of vomit in the women's bathroom and was concerned. I'd probably leave it at that. </p> <p>On the one hand, someone with an ED likely won't be helped by a stranger or HR getting involved, but like you I wouldn't want to do nothing. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-if-you-suspected-an-eating-disorder#post-2302203 Fri, 25 Sep 2015 12:11:03 +0000 .twist. 2302203@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@blackbird: I don't work with her. :/ Not even in the same office, I can't even get into their space. I, pretty much, have no idea who she is. All I know are her bathroom habits. Which, I guess is pretty weird and it's why I am hesitant to do anything since, as others have pointed out, it could really be a number of things.</p> <p>@LindsayInNY: I don't even know what the company next to us does, let alone who does what in their office.<br /> The times I've tried to get our girl to call the cleaning people has always been a pulling teeth thing since she's lazy as shit. I don't have the info. </p>