How to Help Loved Ones with Eating Disorders
If someone you know is showing signs of an eating disorder, know that it’s not a choice; eating disorders are illnesses. There are different types of eating disorders, but if you notice your loved one is fixating on food, their weight and shape, they may have an eating disorder. Learn more about how to best help them below.
Attending group, individual or family therapy sessions can help your loved one say what they’re feeling in a safe environment. You can better understand how they think, and the therapist can advise on how to best help them. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, those with an eating disorder are at higher risk for suicide and medical complications, and they can often have depression or anxiety. So, it’s important for your loved one to receive therapy to talk through any mental and physical concerns.
Based on what your primary care provider or therapist recommends, your loved one could try medications, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics or mood stabilizers. These types of medications are often linked to treating eating disorders, while also addressing anxiety or depression.
A nutrition counselor or dietitian would provide helpful information on how to best help your loved one’s body return to a healthy state. Based on what type of eating disorder the individual has, the nutrition counselor would be able to create a care plan.
If your loved one’s eating disorder has led to life-threatening problems, it’s time to have them committed to an inpatient stay at your local hospital. Because an eating disorder is caused by severe psychological, social or behavioral issues, it’s best for a care team to evaluate the individual to best understand the underlying issues, according to Mental Health America.
Every person is different, so their treatment plans will be, too. Finding a health professional to oversee their care is a vital step in treatment and recovery. Contact Mercy EAP at (319) 398-6694 for more information or an appointment.
