Clinique altermed
Nutrition![](/medias/blog/blog_image/small_doyoun-seo-1338868-unsplash.jpg)
Do you have a loved one who is suffering from an eating disorder?
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Eating disorders and disordered eating is remarkably prevalent.The families and loved ones affected by this condition are extremely widespread,yet so often anonymous and alone in their own suffering.You are not to blame for what is happening.Eating disorders are caused by a multitude ofphysiological, genetical , psychological and social factors.The best thing is to reach out, ask for help,and use the tips listed below as a guide and a support. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -How to communicate with someone who has an eating disorder
First rule : Timing.
Choose a time when all parties are calm and when the situation is not already escalated.
Do not have serious conversations around meal times.
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Second rule : Distinguish the healthy self and the eating disorder self.
Do not tell your loved one that you do not trust them, instead tell them that you do not trust their disorder.
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Third rule : It’s not about food.
Debating over food and nutrition is a losing battle.
Instead, talk about your concerns for their physical and emotional health
due to the behavioural changes you’ve observed.
10 tips on what to do if you know someone suffering from an eating disorder
1. Be Knowledgeable
An eating disorder is not simply about not eating; it is a coping
mechanism that the individual uses to deal with deeper
problems. Do your own reading, preparing, reaching out and
sharing. An informed communicator is always better equipped
and more effective.
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2. Seek support
Encourage the person to seek professional help, and seek
resources that can help you better deal with this illness.
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3. Be patient
When you approach someone for the first time in regards to
their health issue, do not be surprised if they reject your
expression of concern. They may react with anger and denial.
It is important not to rush the person, but instead recognize
that it will take time for the person to make changes.
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4. Be encouraging
Encourage the person to see themselves as more than their
eating disorder. Affirm their strengths and interests that are
unrelated to food or physical appearance.
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5. Be supportive
Let the person know that you care about them,
and want them to be healthy and happy.
Take the focus off food and weight.
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6. Be compassionate
Show compassion for the pain and confusion that the individual is experiencing.
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7. Listen
Show that you care by asking about their feelings and concerns.
Resist the urge to advise or criticize.
Even if you don’t understand what the person is going through,
it is important to listen.
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8. Set a positive example
Make it a point to model healthy behaviours.
Instead of dieting, eat nutritious and balanced meals.
Be mindful about how you talk about your body and your eating.
Avoid selfcritical remarks or negative comments about others’ appearances.
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9. Be non-judgemental
The individual with the illness will have to decide on when and how they get help.
Support themby validating the healthy changes that the person does make,
however small they may be.
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10. Find a middle ground between forcing the issue and ignoring it
Becoming overly insistent and aggressive with the person may cause them to avoid you, and/or
treatment; on the other hand you do not want to avoid a potentially fatal illness.
It is important to find a middle ground between these two extremes.
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Also, The “Parent Toolkit” available from the National Eating Disorder Association is an excellent resource to begin understanding eating disorders, and guide you in taking the next steps to help someone suffering from this illness. https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/sites/default/files/Toolkits/ParentToolkit.pdf