I am 15 and almost positive that my best friend, "Amanda," is anorexic. I know for a fact that she was anorexic two years ago, but she told me she had treatment and is cured.

I rarely see Amanda eat lunch at school, and if I ask about it, she says, "I'm not hungry. Just drop it." When I tell her she really needs to eat, she gets mad. Lately, she's had stomach pains that are not cramps. I don't know if this is related, but she also has been having family, grade, depression and school issues. I really worry about her, but I know if I bring up therapy, she will stop speaking to me. Please help. － Concerned Best Friend

Dear Best Friend:

Amanda is lucky to have you as a friend. She obviously has a lot of problems, and her eating disorder could be the way she tries to maintain some control over her life. Right now, it's best not to talk about food, her weight or her eating habits. Tell her you care about her, value her friendship, think she's a wonderful person and will always be there for her. You also can suggest, if she feels depressed or is having school problems, that she talk to the school counselor or a favorite teacher, and offer to go with her.