Helping A Loved One With An Eating Disorder

Although professional therapy has been found to be very effective, there are also things you can do to help a loved one with an eating disorder.

– Offer loving, unconditional support.
– Tell them you think they deserve to be happy in life.
– Advocate happiness is what is on the inside, not outside.
– Don’t blame yourself.
– Expect setbacks on the road to recovery.
– Always stand by them through self-destructive periods.
– Focus on positive things not negative worries.
– Promote a neutral view of all food types.
– Do not judge them.
– Always keep lines of communication open with them so they know you are there.
– Understand their eating disorder is not one of choice.
– Make them feel safe in their surroundings.
– Have a positive body image of yourself.
– Talk about yourself with respect.
– Never comment on their appearance, body or weights. At all.
– Encourage not criticise.
– Learn the facts about eating disorders.
– Understand the relationship between mental health issues and eating disorders.
– Teach them to view social media in a true, critical light.