Tips For Helping a Loved One Through Eating Disorder Recovery:

An eating disorder can be extremely debilitating, both physically and mentally. If your friend, family member, or loved one is recovering from an eating disorder, it is important that you maintain your presence in their life; eating disorder recovery is not something that can be accomplished alone.

In addition to requiring your support, your loved one’s eating disorder recovery may take an extended period of time. This fact may cause discouragement and skepticism to your loved one and, therefore, it is important to continue to exercise patience. Do not set impossible or overambitious goals. Here are few tips to remember when support a loved one through their eating disorder recovery:

1. Remain Positive

If you are supporting a loved one through their recovery, staying positive is the most important thing to remember. As previously mentioned, eating disorder recovery is not a short process. It is likely going to be a roller coaster ride, with many highs and lows. Remain a positive role model and encouraging advocate for healthier living. Always remember to avoid making negative statements about weight and body image, especially your own.

2. Listen Intently

Your loved one is likely experiencing a whirlwind of emotions and feelings. As his or her support, make it your priority to listen and not give your own advice. You may discourage them by “offering advice” when, to them, you are unable to understand what they are going through. Listening with an open attitude will let your loved one know that you care, and are sticking with them until the end.

3. Educate Yourself

Educating yourself can help you become the advocate that your loved one needs. If you are better educated about the particular eating disorder your loved one is suffering from, as well as other eating disorders, you can be better equipped to assist them through their recovery. Look into the different treatments of eating disorders as well.

4. Don’t Forget Yourself

At times, you may feel like are too overburdened with helping your friend. For you to be the best advocate for your loved one, you have to be positive and stable. Always remember to have your own avenue of releasing feelings and emotions. Helping a loved one through his or her eating disorder recovery can be an uplifting experience, but getting bottled up into somebody else’s troubles can only cause more troubles for yourself.

Eating disorder recovery is a long process that requires treatment, discipline, and support for the recovering individual. If a loved one is struggling through this tough time, remember these tips to be an advocate who will support, encourage, and push him or her toward a healthier lifestyle.