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.