Eating Disorder Awareness Week (EDAW 2024)
Something that makes eating disorders so complex, is the impact of the issue on not just the individual but the larger family or community system. There are many treatment modalities in therapy that address this exact systems theory in detail. Depending on a client’s age, the eating disorder may be occurring at a time of not only growth but under the roof of a parent/guardian. Therefore, recovery models highly involve parents/family members and loved ones to challenge eating disorder thoughts and behaviors.
Many loved ones experience a common string of emotions including but not limited to worry, confusion, frustration or guilt. These emotions are typically intense in the initial stage of acknowledgement of an eating disorder, reaching out for treatment, or transitions from varying levels of care. The emotions are valid, as I often see loved ones who really want to step up and support the client to the best of their ability. Above all, the common emotion that develops once loved ones understand the recovery process is hope.
The following are common questions that arise from loved ones of someone struggling with an eating disorder:
- What would be helpful to practice at home?
- Am I allowed to talk about food/meals/weight at home?
- Should I monitor meals?
- How do I help when there are feelings of sadness and anger around the disordered eating and body image?
- Did I cause the eating disorder?
I encourage questions to better understand someone’s thought process and the feelings around the various phases of recovery. However, my typical response stems from the idea that support looks different, based on different people, based on different scenarios. Reading that does sound like a mouth full but it makes sense when we think about our own lives. We have certain family members who provide support or show love differently than others. We have friends we vent to and friends we hang out with if we need cheering up. Everyone’s role in our own lives mimic the idea of eating disorder recovery. A client may suggest that support can be shown by engaging in meal preparation (grocery shopping, cooking, setting the table) with the loved one. Another client may want their loved ones to be reachable by phone during breakfast, lunch or dinner should distressing emotions arise.
In order to reframe (a favorite therapist line) the common questions above, try to directly ask, “How can I best support you?” This may lead to a moment of silence as the client thinks about what would help them; however, this can also put a sense of comfort and autonomy in a client’s ability to ask for what they need.
The following are wonderful resources for families/loved ones for informational and emotional support:
- National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)
- The Emily Program: Resource for Family is attached here
- Families Empowered And Supporting Treatment for Eating Disorders (FEAST)
- The Eating Disorder Diaries (Podcast)
- Your Recovery Resource: Guide for helping loved ones
- Eating Recovery Center: Do’s and Dont’s for Families is attached here
- Alliance for Eating Disorders: For Loved Ones
Additionally, you may find supportive forums and spaces for connecting with other families/loved ones during Eating Disorder Awareness Week as the theme this year is “Get In The Know”, providing awareness and connection to resources.
Maya is a therapist who is passionate about the working in the mental health feild. She has a special interested in disordered eating, body image and working with women of color who are seeking mental health treatment. She approaches therapy with a down-to-earth feel that is both compassionate and actionable. In her free time you can find her playing guitar, singing and reading.
If you’re interested in setting up an appointment with Maya, Contact her today.
Disclaimer: This is in no way a replacement for a therapeutic relationship or mental health services. This is for educational purposes only and should be in used only in conjunction in working with a licensed mental health professional. Reading this blog or responding to it does not constitute a provider-patient relationship. If you are looking for a local mental health professional feel free to use the contact tab to request an appointment or search Therapy Den for local therapists in your area. If this is a mental health emergency and you need immediate assistance please call 911 or your county’s crisis line to speak to a mental health professional.