If you know what you think a loved one has an eating disorder, supporting that person can change the game for them.
Eating disorders have an effect At least 9% More of the world’s population, including about 30 million Americans 10,000 people He dies of eating disorders every year, but only in the United States.And the pandemic Will increase A January study published in the journal The Lancet Psychiatry found that the number and severity of cases varied.
Alvin Trang, an assistant professor of public health at the University of New Haven in Connecticut, said that those closest to people with eating disorders “play a major role in paying attention and identifying potential risk factors and signs. Will play. ” Tran is studying eating disorders and body image.
One of the easiest things to do is ask how to help, said Joann Hendelman, clinical director of the National Alliance for Eating Disorders. However, she added that she needs to be educated first because it can be harmful without sufficient knowledge.
Here’s what else you need to know about helping people suffering from eating disorders:
1. Know the signs
Being able to recognize signs of eating disorders is important because early intervention is important, Tran said. Knowing the facts about weight, nutrition, and exercise can help you infer with someone about the myths that fuel their habits. National Eating Disorders Association..
Some here General signs According to the NEDA, this may indicate that weight loss, body size and shape, and food management are major concerns.
- Frequently see reflections of recognized defects
- Weight, food, calories, carbohydrates, fat grams, diet commitment
- Refuse to eat a particular food or the entire food category
- Discomfort of eating around others
- Food rituals such as eating only certain foods or food groups, over-chewing, or keeping food from touching
- Skip meals or eat little by little
- Withdrawal from friends and activities
- Extreme mood unevenness
- Significant increase or decrease in body weight
- Complaints of gastrointestinal problems such as gastric cramps, constipation, and gastric acid reflux disease
- Loss of concentration
- Dizziness, especially when standing
- syncope
- Frequently feel cold
- Cuts and octopus on finger joints (due to intentional vomiting)
- Discolored teeth, cavities or tooth loss
- Dry skin, hair, and brittle nails
- swelling Under the ears
- Fine hair (lanugo)
- Weaknesses
The National Association of Eating Disorders list The number of warning signs for each eating disorder, but keep in mind that symptoms do not always fit in the box.
2. Share your concerns
According to the NEDA, if you want to confront your loved ones about the signs you notice, you can rehearse what you want to say to relieve your anxiety.
Schedule time to talk in a private environment. Instead of asking, accusing, or giving an opinion if someone has an eating disorder, use the fact-based “I” remarks about what you have noticed.
It may mean saying, “Hey, you’ve noticed that you’re fixed or talking more about dieting,” Tran said. “Or,” I found it unpleasant to eat in front of people. I’m here to provide that support in case you need it. Please know. “
Tran and Handelman said that increasing someone’s weight or appearance is rarely appropriate or helpful. And don’t give simple advice like “just eat” or “just stop eating”, NEDA suggests.
“It’s like going to someone who is addicted to a substance or a smoker and saying,’Just stop,'” Tran explained. “It’s not a very simple process and you will often experience repulsion when making such comments.”
Be prepared for a defensive response to knowledge-based advice. Some people may get angry if your consciousness threatens your chances of getting what they want from an eating disorder. If this happens, repeat your concerns, but don’t force it-say you care and keep the door open for conversation, NEDA says.
3. Encourage them to ask for help
People with eating disorders need professional help to heal. If they do not have a doctor or therapist but are ready to recover, they can help find a doctor or therapist or offer to attend an appointment with them.
Getting effective treatment as soon as possible dramatically increases the chances of recovery, NEDA says.
- National Association of Eating Disorders: Americans can use NEDA helpline..
- National Alliance for Eating Disorders: use Search tool For US treatment centers or professionals.
- Mind: This mental health organization Financial resources In England.
- Hope for Eating Disorders: This organization has the following information International resources..
Don’t simply believe that your loved one meets an expert-make sure that person follows.
4. Remind them why they want to be well
Whether your loved ones want to travel, make friends, have children, or pursue a career, they may have goals hampered by eating disorders.
Reminding people of that future can help focus on long-term recovery rather than the short-term perceived benefits of chaotic behavior, NEDA says. Help them reconnect with their values and the people they want to be.
5. Avoid body and food judgment
Also, avoid saying anything that could be a trigger, such as a comment such as “Wow, do you have two brownies?” Or “I’m very fat now.”
“People with eating disorders are competing with other people’s bodies,” Handelman said. “Someone’s eating disorder brain voice says,” You can’t compete with this person, you have a bigger body, you’re bad, you have the diet this person is eating You should be doing it. “
6. Maintain a multifaceted relationship
Handelman warned that if you only talk to your loved ones with an eating disorder, that person may drive you away.
In general, eating disorders are just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what is happening to a person. Below that are issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and anxiety.
“Understand that your loved one is suffering,” Handelman said. “Food and food are the way they paralyze pain, tolerate anxiety, and spend the day.”
Sometimes you can do two things just by doing fun and relaxing activities together. It alleviates everything the person is experiencing and does not suffocate when shown to be there.
Overall, helping people with eating disorders requires patience, education, understanding, compassion, and kindness. But firmly, “don’t wait until things get so harsh and your friends’ lives are at stake,” NEDA says.