If someone you know needs help for eating disorders, the first step to take is to pinpoint the symptoms that you may be seeing. There is eating disorder treatment available to people who need it, but it must first be sought. Before help can be obtained, the sufferer needs to admit there is a problem and be willing to go for treatment.
How to Talk to Someone with an Eating Disorder
While it may be a difficult topic to broach, there are ways to speak with someone about getting help for eating disorders. Admittedly, it may be slow going at first, but if you follow these tips and persevere, you may be able to convince the person you care about to seek eating disorder treatment.
- Communicate your worry. Be honest and name specific points in time when you were worried about this person’s eating or exercising habits. Go on to explain that you feel these habits may show a possible problem that needs professional help.
- Don’t get into an argument. If the person in question refuses to acknowledge a problem or insists there is no reason for your worry or concern, repeat your initial statement. Make the reasons for them clear. Then leave yourself available to listen and be there if this person sees the problem.
- Do not place blame, or cause guilty and shameful feelings. Stay away from accusatory statements using the word “you.” Examples of this are: “You really need to eat.” Or, “Your actions make no sense.” Instead, go with “I” statements. Say something like “I am really worried about you because you seem to be skipping too many meals.” Or, “I get so afraid when I hear you vomiting.”
- Do not offer easy solutions. Saying things such as “If you would only stop this, everything would be fine!” is not going to help.
These are simply openings to getting the help for eating disorders that this person needs. Be aware that the only way that eating disorder treatment will be sought and will work is when the victim is ready for it. If you have laid the proper groundwork, this person will come to you. So, don’t give up if your first attempt has no affect.
Different Treatments for Eating Disorders
As there are individual reasons for each person to develop an eating disorder, there are several types of treatments available. The correct type of treatment can be matched to the individuals needs and what will be the most effective. If a treatment is going to work, it has to address physical and psychological factors. Treating any medical or nutritional issues is the primary goal, along with promoting healthy relationships with food. Better coping mechanisms are also taught. You should consult with a mental health professional that specializes in eating disorders to determine the correct level of treatment.
Following are the different types of help for eating disorders that are available:
- Psychotherapy: There is individual and group therapy available to help explore the reasons the eating disorder developed, boost self-confidence, and teach healthier ways to respond to stress and emotional issues. Family therapy is also a part of this to help deal with how the eating disorder has affected the whole family.
- Nutritional Counseling: Nutritionists and dieticians can be a huge part of eating disorder treatment. These professionals can be vital to helping the victim learn to make meal plans and set some goals to achieving a healthy weight.
- Support Groups: Victims of eating disorders are often helped by attending peer operated support groups. This is a safe environment to share stories, and receive advice and encouragement from other victims.
- Residential Treatment: In house treatment may be needed when the condition is too severe and has become life threatening. Behavioral issues may also need constant monitoring as a part of help for eating disorders. This is needed in the most extreme cases.
You may find that someone you care about needs one or a combination of these treatments and you will most likely be relieved to know that they are available. Effective eating disorder treatment choices are there for the taking and that is a big comfort to both victims and the people who care about them.