Support to Families Who Have a Loved One With an Eating Disorder
March 7, 2013 by Becky Henry
Filed under Eating Disorders, Parents
How do we support a child with an eating disorder when we’re frozen with fear?
When an eating disorder develops in someone, FEAR becomes a constant companion to many if not most families. I hear it every time I coach a parent, they are so afraid their child might die, or never speak to them again if they set boundaries.
Setting boundaries with a child/partner/etc who is very ill can be a daunting task. When we are afraid it becomes even more difficult. This is why it is essential to support to families who have a loved one with an eating disorder. It takes a lot of courage to admit you are afraid and even more to ask for help. Often families don’t know what to ask for! But they all know they want their child well and they want the fear gone.
But it is hard to deal with the fear when you are reacting in a fight or flight mode. Our stress levels skyrocket and it’s tough to make rational decisions. And there is no guidebook outlining what works for every person with an eating disorder. We must trust our gut – but first we need to be calm.
‘Easy for you to say’, you might be thinking.
March 20th another Conference Call Class Series for Caregivers begins and I have some great feedback from this most recent class to share with you!
Dawn Hynes
- Journal
- Breathe (very slowly and consciously)
- Make a top 10 list of things you enjoy doing and do 1 each day