When Your Loved One Struggles with an Eating Disorder

If you have a family member or loved one struggling with an eating disorder, you may be wrestling with feeling frustrated and helpless. Eating disorders can have an impact on the whole family. It is common to struggle with this new reality and to question what your role is in supporting your loved one. Here are some things to help you navigate this difficult time:

It’s ok not to have all the answers.

Eating disorders are complicated, and everyone’s journey with recovery can look different. There are plenty of people and resources available to you to help you during this time. Also, while the support of friends and family is important, that does not mean that you are solely responsible for their recovery.

Encourage your loved one to seek professional help.

It can be very difficult to overcome an eating disorder without professional help. Working with a professional will help not just the person struggling with an eating disorder, but they can provide support for the family as well.

Approach your loved one with curiosity and empathy.

Your loved one is struggling to develop a healthy relationship with food, and themselves. It is likely that they are experiencing shame or guilt around their eating disorder. Avoid blaming them for what they are going through. If there is something you do not understand, it is better to ask, rather than making assumptions.

Take the focus off of food and weight.

Your loved one is already overly focused on food and weight. Avoid getting into arguments around these topics. This will help eliminate power struggles and relieve tension for both of you.

Be patient.

While there is no specific timeline, recovery from an eating disorder can take a long time. It is important to remember that your loved one does not want to have an eating disorder, but it can be hard to let go of the perceived safety of their current rituals and relationship with food.

Take care of yourself.

While eating disorders can impact the whole family, try not to let your family revolve around the eating disorder. Don’t neglect yourself in the process of taking care of your loved one. It is ok for you to voice your feelings about what is happening. Also, remember that you do not have to deal with this alone.

 

Elizabeth Kraich, LAPC