How To Support A Loved One Who Is Struggling With An Eating Disorder
As featured in Authority Magazine. Authority Magazine interviewed me about how to support a loved one who is struggling with an eating disorder.
The most helpful support is informed, patient, and low pressure. Learn about eating disorders, avoid pushing for change, offer activities that have nothing to do with food, respect their space, and remember that recovery is slow and uneven.
“Recovery must come from within.”Rachel Goldberg, LMFT, PMH-C, in Authority Magazine
1. Educate yourself
Learning about eating disorders, including warning signs and care options, helps you offer more informed support. Understanding the complexity of these conditions helps you respond well.
2. Avoid pushing for change
Pressure to fix behavior can backfire. Recovery must come from within, so offer encouragement instead of demands.
3. Offer support in the way they prefer
Ask how you can help. Suggest calm activities that have nothing to do with food, such as a walk or a puzzle.
4. Respect their space
Constant monitoring of what someone eats, or hovering with questions, can increase shame. Create a supportive environment where they feel safe making their own choices.
5. Practice patience
Recovery is a challenging and non-linear process. It can take years, and it is uneven, so celebrate progress however small it seems.
6. Treat it as the medical illness it is
Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions with genetic components, not a matter of willpower. I would like to see better training for doctors, teachers, and counselors so they can recognize warning signs and refer people to professional help.
Read the full article on Authority Magazine
Related reading
- What to Do When a Friend Triggers Your Eating Disorder
- What No One Tells You About Eating Disorder Recovery
Frequently asked questions
How do I help someone with an eating disorder?
Learn about the illness, avoid pressure and monitoring, offer connection around activities that are not about food, and encourage professional help while respecting that recovery has to come from them.
Should I comment on what my loved one eats?
Generally no. Comments about food and bodies, even well-intended ones, tend to increase shame. Focus on the person and on connection.
Ready for support?
If you or someone you love is struggling with an eating disorder, I provide eating disorder therapy.
