Supporting a person with an eating disorder

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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.

Credits

Author	Kathe Gallagher, MSW
Associate Editor	Lisa Shaw
Associate Editor	Terrina Vail
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	W. Stewart Agras, MD - Psychiatry
Last Updated	October 11, 2005

Last updated:	October 11, 2005
Author:	Kathe Gallagher, MSW
Reviewed By:	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine, W. Stewart Agras, MD - Psychiatry
Editors:	, Terrina Vail

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