Being a loved one of someone with an eating disorder is incredibly challenging.
It’s important to know that you are not alone, and furthermore, that even the best and most supportive parents, spouses, siblings, and friends are not expected to know what to do in every situation. The first step to helping a loved one who you believe has an eating disorder is to inform yourself a bit more about the disorder. Eating disorders are serious and potentially devastating illnesses related to eating behaviors that negatively impact health, emotions and the ability to function in daily life.
One of the major barriers for family members in talking to their children about eating disorders or being there for them during the recovery process is the concern that maybe this is my fault. It is vital to understand that although there might be precipitating events, there is no singular cause for the development of an eating disorder. For example, teens are at particularly high risk for developing eating disorders due to societal and peer group pressure and participation in competitive sports.
Once you have determined that there is an issue, helping your loved one identify, speak out about, and seek treatment for an eating disorder involves patience, education, and more often than not, the support of a team of professionals specifically qualified in the treatment of eating disorders. Read on below for some tips on how to begin navigating this process, and of course, always feel free to contact us for additional support.