Supporting a person with an eating disorder
When a loved one has an eating disorder such as anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating and is in treatment, you can show support by:
- Showing and stating your love.
- Avoiding the temptation to control the person.
- Trusting that your loved one has developed his or her own high values, ideals, and standards.
- Encouraging self-responsibility for his or her actions, both successes and setbacks.
- Offering support during times of discouragement.
You can also help by:
- Not watching or talking about how much he or she eats.
- Not urging him or her to eat or not eat, unless this is part of the plan for treatment.
- Avoiding comparisons with other people.
- Listening to feelings.
- Not allowing yourself to be controlled by his or her behavior.
If you struggle with handling your feelings and interactions with someone who has an eating disorder, talk with a health professional. Counseling, such as family therapy, can help you learn ways to encourage healthy eating behaviors in children and teens who have eating disorders.
| Author: | Jeannette Curtis | Last Updated: September 25, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine W. Stewart Agras, MD - Psychiatry | |
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