5 Ways to Help a Loved One With an Eating Disorder
Disordered eating is more common than you might think. About 10 percent of the world’s population struggle with disordered eating. So, what do you do when someone you care about falls into that demographic? How do you support them? How do you ensure that you are not contributing to the issue?
A good first step is to get some education about disordered eating. An eating disorder is a psychological condition that causes dysfunctional eating habits. Left unchecked, it poses quite a risk to a person’s overall health. It can be helpful to learn about these disorders and understand how you can support someone who is dealing with these issues.
3 Common Eating Disorders
1. Anorexia Nervosa
The most well-known eating disorder, anorexia nervosa, leads people to view themselves as overweight. They may have a fear of gaining weight even when they are dangerously underweight. Signs of anorexia can include:
*Severe restriction of eating habits
*Distorted body image
*Fixation on losing weight and “getting thin”
Keep in mind that someone with anorexia may not always look underweight. You would want to pay attention to the person’s behaviors and habits instead of what they look like.
2. Bulimia Nervosa
Like anorexia, folks with bulimia might be concerned with body image or will engage in the behaviours to reduce stress and anxiety. Someone with bulimia will engage in binge eating or overeating. They eat until they are beyond full. Then, to make up for all they’ve eaten, the person will engage in purging behaviors like:
*Vomiting
*Abuse of laxatives
*Enemas
*Fasting
*Extreme levels of exercise
People with bulimia may not have weight fluctuations or changes in weight, which can lead to the problem going undetected for many years.
3. Binge Eating Disorder
Binge eating disorder is another common type of eating disorder. Someone with a binge eating disorder will not restrict calories or engage in purging. Instead, they consume large quantities of food—usually in secret—even if they are not hungry. Other signs involve:
*Feelings of shame or guilt
*Feeling out of control
*Binge eating very unhealthy foods which increases the risks of physical illnesses
If any of the above reminds you of someone in your life, they probably need help counselling support.
How to Help Your Loved Ones with an Eating Disorder
1. Be Mindful of How You Speak to Your Loved One
*Never comment on how they look. Instead, focus on how they feel.
*Don’t comment on other people’s bodies. A casual comment about a co-worker who looks great because they lost weight can be triggering and can contribute to harmful beauty standards.
*Eat as you would normally eat in front of them. There’s never cause for you to change your eating habits. In fact, you can quietly set a healthy example.
*Also, avoid the use of “you” statements. You might be tempted to say, “You’re purging again.” Instead, try: “I get worried when I see you go to the bathroom right after you eat.”
2. Don’t Try to “Fix” Anything
Be available to listen and care. Once your loved one is in treatment, be patient with the process. Do not give up hope, and let them know you support them.
3. Never Force Someone to Eat
It can be painful to watch someone restrict their food intake. Demanding they eat, however, never helps. You can help hold them accountable without resorting to coercion.
4. Try Not to Adapt Your Own Behavior
The eating disorder should not be setting the agenda. You do not have to restrict your eating habits or stop eating when you are with them. You can still enjoy your regular activities like going out to a restaurant.
5. Practice Self-Care
Take care of yourself. Your mental health matters too, and you can be more helpful when you’re healthy.
The best thing you can do to help your loved one is to withhold judgments and opinions, and gently guide them to get help from a professional.
