Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. Supporting a loved one who is struggling with an eating disorder requires empathy, understanding, and careful consideration. It’s essential to create a supportive environment where they feel safe, heard, and encouraged to seek help. These tips are for you to support your loved one to battle this one out.
Educate Yourself:
Understanding the nature of eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorders, will help you approach the situation with knowledge and compassion. This doesn’t need to be medical level knowledge but simple information allowing you to learn about the physical, emotional, and psychological challenges involved to better support your loved one.
Listen Without Judgment:
The worst part of an eating disorder will be the judgement the people who struggle with it endure every day. This is one of the major reasons why they would not reach out to loved ones for help and support. Therefore, providing a non-judgmental space for your loved one to express their feelings, fears, and struggles is crucial in their battle with an eating disorder.
Avoid offering unsolicited advice or opinions. Instead, let them talk openly about their emotions and experiences.
Provide Emotional Support:
Let them know that you love and care for them, regardless of their appearance or behavior. Offer words of encouragement and be present during difficult times.
Focus on Their Well-being, Not Appearance:
Avoid making comments about their weight, body shape, or eating habits. Instead, focus on their overall health and well-being, and acknowledge the progress they are making in their journey.
Be Patient:
Recovery from an eating disorder is a slow and often non-linear process. Be patient and allow your loved one to progress at their own pace. Avoid placing pressure on them to “get better quickly.”
Encourage Professional Help:
Gently encourage your loved one to seek professional help from a therapist, nutritionist, or doctor who specializes in eating disorders. Offer to help with finding resources or even going with them to appointments.
Here are some help available worldwide-
https://nedc.com.au/eating-disorder-resources/families-supports
https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/get-help
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/partners/butterfly-foundation
https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/treatment-for-eating-disorders/eating-disorder-hotlines
Don’t Offer Quick Fixes:
Avoid suggesting “simple” solutions like dieting or exercise programs, as this can worsen the problem. Eating disorders are complex, and recovery requires long-term treatment and professional care.
Don’t Dismiss Their Struggles:
Avoid downplaying their feelings or struggles by saying things like, “It’s not that bad” or “Just eat more.” Acknowledge their pain and make it clear that you take their condition seriously.
Don’t Engage in Disordered Behaviors:
Don’t unintentionally reinforce disordered eating behaviors, such as dieting or talking about food and body image in an unhealthy way. Be mindful of how your own behavior may affect your loved one.
Don’t Take It Personally:
Understand that eating disorders are not a reflection of your relationship with the person. They are a mental health issue, not a personal attack. Don’t take offense if they withdraw from you or react defensively.
Don’t Push Them to Recover on Your Timeline:
Recovery can take time, and it’s important not to pressure your loved one into recovery on a specific timeline. Healing is unique to everyone.
Supporting a loved one with an eating disorder can be challenging, but with the right approach, your care and understanding can make a difference in their recovery. Remember that seeking professional help, practicing empathy, and being patient are crucial components of supporting them through their journey. By focusing on their emotional well-being and offering consistent, non-judgmental support, you can help them take positive steps toward healing.
Author: Maleesha Thammitage