Eating disorders are a societal epidemic which impact millions of people all over the world. If someone you know and love is currently struggling with the issue, it’s important for you to learn which strategies to implement for the purpose of helping them heal. Here are several tips and tricks you can use to promote hope and healing:
Educate Yourself
Without basic knowledge regarding what eating disorders are and some of the primary challenges that individuals with the disease have, it’s difficult to provide helpful assistance that will metabolize long-term recovery. As such, individuals who are attempting to help a loved one overcome an eating disorder should place primacy on educating themselves. To begin, make sure you understand that there are multiple types of eating disorders.
As noted in “Helping Someone with an Eating Disorder,” the three major types of disorders include anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder. Also be aware of the warning signs of an eating disorder, some of which include making excuses to avoid meals and eating very small portions of low-calorie foods.
Maintain an Attitude of Non-Judgment
If you’re serious about helping a loved one with an eating disorder, make sure that you maintain an attitude of non-judgment. Note that when individuals feel that other people condemn them for their actions, they are much less likely to open up and talk about their issues.
As such, make sure that you’re not making statements like “This is your fault” or “Why can’t you just eat like everyone else?” Instead, ask probing questions in a loving, open-minded way which indicates your genuine concern about the well-being of the other individual. Also make statements which demonstrate your concern. An example would be “I find it difficult to watch you wasting away.”
Check out Several Recovery Centers
Individuals with eating disorders cannot resolve the physical and psychological problems engendered by the disease in isolation. Rather, they need to attain personalized treatment services in a recovery facility. This is why taking the time to check out several recovery centers like Reasons Eating Disorder Center and similar facilities is immensely important. As you start the search process, consider things like how long the facility has been in operation and what types of qualifications and credentials its professionals have. Also consider whether your loved one would benefit most from inpatient or outpatient services.
Model Healthy Eating Behaviors
As many eating disorder experts know, the individuals around the person struggling with the disease can exert substantive influence over her or him. For this reason, it’s important and ultimately imperative for you to model healthy eating behaviors if you want your loved one to heal. Thus if you’re in the habit of dieting, consider the value of eating balanced, nutritious meals instead. Also be mindful about the way you speak about your eating habits and body. Specifically, don’t make assertions like “I’m so fat” or make negative, highly critical comments about what other people are eating.
If your loved one has an eating disorder and you want to help them heal, know that there are many strategies you can deploy to make it happen. Use some or all of the four techniques outlined above to get your friend or family member on the road to holistic healing and wholeness!
Thank you for using the Fashion Industry Network. Have you helped another member today? Answer questions in the forum. It brings good luck.