Eating Disorder Family Support Tools
Updated: May 30
When someone is suffering from an eating disorder, they aren’t the only ones affected.
Eating disorders are severe physical and mental illnesses that impact entire families. It is normal for each member of the family to struggle with the realities of eating disorders and how they each play a part.
If a member of your family has an eating disorder, it is likely that you have questions and may be feeling unsure of what to do. This blog will help you navigate through giving your loved one the support they need, while also ensuring that you are giving yourself the self-care you need too.
Education
It’s important to realize that there are no quick fixes or easy answers. However, the more you are able to understand eating disorders, treatment options, and the resources you have available, the more you will set your family up for success.
There are many resources available about eating disorders such as books, support groups, articles, and organizations. Learn about the illness, treatments, where to get help and support, and what changes your family might need to make.
Share what you learn with the other members of the family - this will help them understand what is happening, why changes might need to occur, and how they can support their loved one.
It’s okay to not have all the answers. That’s what resources are for. Allow yourself to acknowledge this, and don’t be too hard on yourself.
Emotional Support
Although only one person may be suffering from an eating disorder in your family, every member is affected. Encourage a strong family relationship by openly communicating.
Be honest about how you are feeling. Sharing feelings with one another will allow your family to grow closer, even if the feelings you share are not all exactly the same.
Create a safe space for everyone to communicate. Ensure that everyone is being heard and that they are being heard accurately. Don’t hide your concerns - keeping secrets will not help!
Take the time to acknowledge your loved one in ways that are unrelated to their appearance. Sharing what you love about them can positively influence their view of themselves and make them feel more secure.
Openly tell your loved one that you are here for them and that you want to support them! Even if that may seem implied, it’s important to remind them that they are not alone.
Professional Support
It is very important to ask for help. Not only for your loved one experiencing an eating disorder but for yourself and the rest of your family. Therapy will help you and your family to navigate this difficult time and provide you with coping skills and techniques for yourself and your loved one.
If your loved one refuses therapy, it is encouraged that you still pursue it to normalize getting help. A therapist will also teach you healthy boundaries to practice with your loved one, as well as how to navigate their eating disorder behaviors.
Be empathetic. Show your support and that it’s okay to get help. If your loved one begins therapy, participate in their treatment if they are okay with it.
Lead by Example
Set a good example for your entire family! Evaluate your family’s current behaviors and habits, then make positive changes.
Practice healthy habits such as eating for nourishment and exercising to be well, not to obtain a specific appearance. Shift the conversation away from appearance and weight to self-love and body acceptance.
It is essential to make time for friends and family, fun, self-care, and personal goals. Encourage every member of your family also to practice self-care. Here are a few things to try to get you started:
Get good sleep - sleep plays a crucial role in regulating mood, emotions, and cognitive function.
Take breaks - schedule regular breaks throughout the day to rest, recharge, and reduce stress.
Do things you enjoy - make time for activities that you enjoy, such as reading, watching a movie, or spending time with friends. Doing things you enjoy can help you relax and feel more positive.
Eat and snack regularly - eating regularly improves your mental health by providing the brain with a steady supply of nutrients and energy. This can help improve mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and support cognitive function.
Practice gratitude - start a gratitude journal to help you shift your focus to the positive aspects of your life. Practicing gratitude can help you cultivate a more positive mindset and increase your overall well-being.
Even if you are unable to get every member of your family on board, you are still setting a good example by practicing self-care for yourself.
Resilience
Most people believe that resilience is being able to bounce back from adversity, that you either have it, or you don’t. But having resilience isn’t that black and white; it fluctuates throughout the day.
Think of resilience as the amount of fuel in your gas tank. If you’re running on empty and a steep hill comes up, you will have trouble getting to the other side. If you are prepared with a full tank, you’ll sail right over the top.
Resilience is about creating a survival kit for challenges. This might include coping skills such as self-care, planned breaks, problem-solving skills, and routines. Another tool is a strong support system of people with whom you can discuss your feelings and ask for support.
Seeking help from a therapist, practicing mindfulness, and prioritizing self-care will help you build up your resilience.
We understand that this is a difficult and scary time for you and your family. Do your best to take things one day at a time, and don’t burn yourself out looking for all the answers.
We are here to help. Contact us today if you need support for yourself and your family.
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