The social network of a loved one has a significant role when the said person has an eating disorder and needs help to seek help. The support and encouragement they get from family and friends translate to a team of cheerleaders as he does his best to change his eating habits to a healthy lifestyle. At times, the person may not have the confidence or courage to request help until he realizes those around him genuinely care and will walk with him as a support group. Eating disorders are varied, some being bulimia, anorexia, purging, or binge-eating.

Here are some helpful and supportive ways to assist a person in seeking treatment and recovering from an eating disorder:

Believe you have the ability to help

As you interact with the concerned family member or friend, you may notice they have a problem, which they may not have the confidence to share. Maybe they eat very little, are over dieting, and other times, you rarely see them eating. If this becomes a consistent lifestyle, that’s evidently affecting the person physically, it is time to step in. Believe in your ability to help. You might be surprised by the positive reaction from the person as he knows he needs help but didn’t know how to ask. The mere act of offering support and reaching out could be the turning point in his life. If the individual rejects your concern, do not give up. Remind them periodically they can count on you once they are ready for treatment.  

Recommend professional help 

In some instances, an eating disorder may be manageable from home and not require any professional help. For such a situation, you may assist the person with the home remedies like supervising their eating habits, exercises and helping them plan their diets. If the situation is fatal, the person may need a skilled intervention that could include staying in hospital. Recommend and assist the person in looking up professional institutions that help with eating disorders. Such a body will provide assessment, diagnosis, and recommend an effective treatment method. The individual will also have access to nutritionists, dieticians, and a counselor. The environment in such a facility has been set to provide an encouraging atmosphere for these particular clients. The place is also economical logistically as the person will, in essence, access holistic support and treatment from the same place. 

Understanding that eating disorder is not a choice

Eating disorder is not a personal choice; there is an underlying drive and motivation. It is not a situation a person can control at will as one would switch on and off a bulb. The eating disorder could be a coping mechanism to life challenges such as stress, depression, loss, or grief. Some abuse victims have confessed to have been able to endure the painful ordeals of unhealthy eating habits. Understand the person may have the desire to have healthy eating habits but is just not able to. The problem is deeply ingrained in them and will require a tailor-made mode of treatment for him to heal. That’s why it is advisable to use a therapist to professionally help the person develop healthy coping mechanisms for life situations. The counselor will assess, diagnose and compile an effective treatment.

Continue support after treatment 

After an individual has gone through treatment and has recovered, they will still need your support. To change a lifestyle pattern is an arduous task, as it will take time for the person to develop solid and good eating habits. There will be ups and downs in the recovery process, and at times will be tempted to give up. Be available to support, encourage and remind them of the benefits of the new lifestyle. In their company, be careful to avoid triggers such as food, weight, and diet discussions. Instead, model good eating habits; they will encourage him to develop a healthy relationship with food. At times, the person may relapse and go back to their previous comfort zone of the disorder. Provide the help required at such moments. With time, the person will recover fully and be able to stand on his own. 

Takeaway

It is wise and human nature to be concerned when one of your loved ones is not well. As you seek to help, be conversant with your abilities and limits. It’s advisable to involve professionals as much as possible since an eating disorder is physical evidence of an underlying problem. Remember to remain the role model of the individual as you walk with him through the recovery process. After that, you will enjoy an even better relationship as family members or friends.

Robert Haynes did his degree in psychology at the University of Edinburgh. He has an ongoing interest in mental health and well-being.