Supporting a Loved One with an Eating Disorder: Practical Tips and Compassionate Strategies
By Danielle Samama, Purple Rain Psychology
Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that impact millions of individuals worldwide. There are a number of different eating disorders including Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder (BED), Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), and Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED). Understanding these conditions and knowing how to offer support can make a significant difference in the recovery journey of your loved one.
While Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder are very prominent and equally serious compared to conditions like Anorexia Nervosa, they are generally underexplored and not taken as seriously by the public, which can hinder understanding and support.
Understanding Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder
Bulimia Nervosa is characterised by a cycle of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviours such as self-induced vomiting, restricted eating, excessive exercise, or misuse of laxatives. Individuals with Bulimia often experience feelings of guilt and shame after binge episodes, leading to a vicious cycle of purging to alleviate these emotions.
Binge Eating Disorder, on the other hand, involves recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food, often rapidly and to the point of discomfort. Unlike Bulimia, BED does not include regular use of compensatory behaviours. Those with BED may struggle with feelings of distress, guilt, and lack of control over their eating habits.
Tips and Strategies for Supporting Your Loved One
1. Educate Yourself: Understanding the complexities of eating disorders is crucial. Read up on the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for eating disorders. This knowledge will equip you to offer informed support and empathy.
2. Approach with Compassion: When discussing their eating disorder, approach your loved one with kindness and empathy. Avoid judgmental language and focus on expressing concern for their well-being. Statements like "I’m worried about you" can be more supportive than "You need to stop doing this."
3. Encourage Professional Help: Eating disorders often require professional intervention. Encourage your loved one to seek help from a healthcare provider, therapist, or a specialised eating disorder clinic. Offer to help them find resources or accompany them to appointments.
4. Be a Good Listener: Sometimes, the most powerful support you can offer is simply listening. Allow your loved one to share their feelings and experiences without interruption. Validate their emotions and avoid offering unsolicited advice.
5. Promote a Healthy Environment: Create a supportive home environment that promotes healthy relationships with food. Avoid making comments about weight, dieting, or appearance. Instead, focus on the enjoyment of meals and fostering positive body image.
6. Set Boundaries: Supporting someone with an eating disorder can be emotionally taxing. It’s important to set boundaries to protect your own mental health. Seek support for yourself, whether through a support group or a therapist, to ensure you are equipped to help your loved one.
7. Be Patient: Recovery from an eating disorder is a long and often non-linear process. Celebrate small victories and be patient with setbacks. Remind your loved one that you are there for them, no matter how long the journey takes.
Supporting a loved one with an eating disorder requires patience, empathy, and a commitment to their well-being. By educating yourself, approaching the situation with compassion, and encouraging professional help, you can play a vital role in their recovery. Remember, your support can make a world of difference.
Resources for Support
Butterfly Foundation: Provides support for Australians experiencing eating disorders and body image issues. Visit butterfly.org.au or call their national helpline at 1800 33 4673.
InsideOut Institute: An Australian institute for research and clinical excellence in eating disorders. Visit insideoutinstitute.org.au for resources and information.
References:
Butterfly Foundation. (2023). Support for Australians Experiencing Eating Disorders. Butterfly Foundation. https://butterfly.org.au/
Supporting someone with an eating disorder. Beat Eating Disorders. https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/get-information-and-support/support-someone-else/tips-for-supporting-somebody-with-an-eating-disorder/
