When it comes to supporting a loved one with an eating disorder, the journey can be overwhelming, daunting, and seemingly unending. Caregivers and loved ones may experience emotional and physical exhaustion from the recovery process. Eating disorders are a severe mental illness that affects approximately 2-3% of Canadians and has the highest mortality rate among mental illnesses. This highlights the critical importance of providing support not only to individuals affected by eating disorders but also to their caregivers. The purpose of this blog post is to foster an understanding of eating disorder behaviors and stress the significance of self-care for those who accompany a loved one struggling with an eating disorder.

No Single Cause to Blame:

One key factor for caregivers to remember is that they are not the cause of their loved one's eating disorder. Parents of children with eating disorders may carry a heavy burden of guilt, believing they may have caused the illness. However, this guilt can detract from the recovery process.

Eating Disorders and the Mind:

It is crucial to keep in mind that individuals suffering from eating disorders do not choose their illness. These disorders are diseases that affect both the body and the mind. People with eating disorders face daily struggles against the overpowering eating disorder voice that manipulates and controls them to engage in destructive behaviors. These behaviors are driven by irrational fears that cause intense anxiety. Parents and caregivers play an important role in supporting their loved ones to regain proper nourishment.

Collaborative Healing:

It is essential to acknowledge that eating disorders are complex diseases that require collaborative care from healthcare professionals and specialized counselors. If you suspect that you or your child has an eating disorder, it is crucial to consult a doctor as soon as possible. Engaging with a registered counselor specializing in eating disorder treatment and recovery is also an integral part of the healing journey.

Counseling Treatment Approaches for Eating Disorders:

When it comes to counseling treatment approaches for eating disorders, family-based treatment is the most researched approach for children and adolescents. This method enables counselors to work collaboratively with clients and their families to develop a plan and provide support throughout the process.

For adults, modalities such as Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems or narrative therapy may be incorporated into their treatment plans. Caregivers must understand eating disorders and have the necessary tools to support their loved ones during treatment and recovery.

Other Practical Tools:

Patience:

In addition to seeking professional help, caregivers can also practice patience. Watching a loved one suffer can be incredibly challenging, and there may be an urge to fix the person or the situation. However, eating disorder treatment requires patience, as each individual's journey is unique and takes time. Mindfulness can be helpful in reminding caregivers to focus on the present moment and not fixate on an anticipated finish line. 

Self-Compassion:

Cultivating an environment of self-compassion for both yourself and your loved one is also essential. It is crucial to treat yourself with kindness, engage in self-care, connect with support, and approach yourself and your loved one with non-judgmental love. 

Community & Support:

Remember that you are not alone in this journey; support is available for you and your loved one. Seek out the company of others who can provide comfort and encouragement during this difficult time. Counseling can offer a safe, non-judgmental, and non-shaming space for sharing. A therapist can support you during this challenging period, providing practical, evidence-based tools.

When you are ready to take that first step, we are here for you. Schedule your free consultation with our Eating Disorders Specialist Counsellor, Sofia Daulat or contact us at info@restingtree.ca to find out more.