Supporting a loved one's recovery

[Hopefloats]

Supporting a loved one’s recovery
Recovering from an eating disorder takes time. There are no quick fixes or miracle cures, so it’s important to have patience and compassion. Don’t put unnecessary pressure on your loved one by setting unrealistic goals or demanding progress on your own timetable. Provide hope and encouragement, praise each small step forward, and stay positive through struggles and setbacks.

Do’s and Don'ts for Friends and Family Members

Source: Adapted from Mirasol Eating Disorder Recovery Centers

DO:
Avoid power struggles over food
Accept your limitations
Accept the other person's right to an independent life
Allow each household member to make his or her own food choices
Hold the person responsible for behavior that affects others

DON’T:
Eat or avoid foods solely to accommodate the eating-disordered person
Make mealtimes a battleground
Monitor someone else's behavior for them (even if you are invited to)
Be the "food police"
Try to play therapist
Comment about someone's weight and looks

Set a good example. Make sure you’re a positive role model for healthy living and self-acceptance. Avoid dieting or making negative statements about your own body or your eating habits.
Learn about eating disorders. Educate yourself about eating disorders and their treatment. The more you know, the better equipped you’ll be to help your loved one, avoid pitfalls, and cope with challenges.
Listen without lecturing. Show that you care by truly listening to your loved one’s feelings and concerns. Resist the urge to criticize or offer advice. Simply let your friend or family member know that he or she is heard.
Take care of yourself. Don’t become so preoccupied with your loved one’s eating disorder that you neglect your own needs. Make sure you have your own support, so you can provide it in turn. Whether that support comes from a trusted friend, a support group, or your own therapy sessions, what matters is that you have an outlet to talk about your feelings and to emotionally recharge. It’s also important to schedule time into your day for distressing, relaxing, and doing things you enjoy.

[Chy]

Good stuff Hope thanks!

[Hopefloats]

You are welcome my lady