Supporting Your Loved One With Their Eating Disorder

Eating disorders affect millions of people around the world.  For this reason, many of us either face it ourselves or know someone who does.  If you have a loved one that is struggling with an eating disorder, then you may not know how to support them.  For that reason, we’re going to discuss how you can support your loved one through this difficult time.

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Provide Practical Support

Eating disorders don’t just affect how a person eats, but their everyday life as well.  In addition, eating disorders are often connected to other mental health illnesses (such as depression or anxiety), so sometimes it helps to support them in everyday things.  For instance, you can help them clean up around the house, take them to their appointments, or even help distract them during and after meals to help with their anxiety.

 

Be Cautious of What You Say

Many people try to be helpful, but end up saying things that make their loved one feel bad, such as making comments about their weight.  For instance, you shouldn’t tell them that they look like they’ve gained weight, lost weight, or make comments like, “I don’t understand why you have an eating disorder if you’re not overweight.”  You may be trying to help, but it may make them feel uncomfortable.

 

Ask What They Need

If you still don’t know if you’re doing everything you can, it never hurts to talk to them.  You can ask them if there’s something that you can do to help them, check how their mental health is, and act as a listening ear for them.

 

Suggest They Get Help

One of the best ways to support your loved one is to encourage them to go to eating disorder counseling in Eastchester.  Counseling is a great resource because it helps them create healthy ways to overcome their eating disorder.  In addition, there are group counseling sessions where they can meet other people who are struggling with the same thing.