About eating disorders: for patients and loved ones
Eating disorders are serious problems with both physical and psychological consequences. They may develop as outward signs of psychological distress, using an obsession with food and weight as a distraction to avoid experiencing unbearable thoughts and feelings. Without the necessary help and treatment, eating disorders can become lifelong illnesses.
Unlike other psychological issues, eating disorders are complex illnesses which require medical treatment for the physical effects to the body, nutritional help for disturbed eating patterns, and psychological counseling to address the underlying issues. Recovery from an eating disorder requires much more than just gaining weight and/or medical stability- it means establishing a regular eating patterns with balanced nutrition, coming to terms with the underlying emotional issues, and learning to cope with emotional difficulties in a way that is not harmful. Treating all three of these components - the medical, nutritional and psychological aspects - is considered “comprehensive treatment” for eating disorders.
Because the serious physical complications of eating disorders may require immediate medical attention, the psychological aspects of these disorders may not always seem as important. However, eating disorders are rooted in the psyche, and without additional psychological treatment, full recovery is not possible. This is especially important to remember as physical symptoms improve: treatment often requires long-term psychotherapy, well after the body returns to a medically safe state.
Especially for parents, family and friends:
It can be difficult to accept that your loved one has an eating disorder and may need long-term help, as no one wants to see their child or loved one suffer. It is natural to want to “fix” the problem as quickly and easily as possible, and it can be frustrating and heartbreaking to be told that eating disorders are very complicated and difficult to overcome. This is due to the fact that they often arise from deep-rooted issues such as low self-esteem, shame, depression and hopelessness - issues which can never be changed quickly or easily. As with any psychological illness, it takes great courage and willingness to change (which might not be present at first, but can grow with time and support) as well as professional help from experienced eating disorder specialists.
The good news is that eating disorders can be successfully treated, and there are many forms of help available. As a parent, concerned family member or friend, the best way you can help is to educate yourself about the specific illness, familiarize yourself with the different kinds of treatments available, and be willing to work with your loved one through the difficult process of change, perhaps in a family therapy situation. The more you learn about eating disorders, the better you will be able understand what your loved one is going through – which will ultimately improve your ability to help. Another very important way you can help is to take care of yourself, both physically and mentally, making time to keep yourself from feeling overwhelmed. Helping someone with an eating disorder can be a challenging and exhausting experience, and it is vital that you have a good support system (i.e. spouse, relatives, friends, etc.) to be there for you when you need them, as well as some kind of stress-relief activity (i.e. exercise, music, or anything that helps you to relax and unwind) to keep you feeling up to the challenge and in the best state of mind to help.