What Families Can Do
You can do a variety of things to help a friend, family member or loved one who suffers from an eating disorder:
- Learn as much as you can about eating disorders: sincere mindfulness helps reduce judgmental or mistaken attitudes about food, body shape and eating disorders.
- Learn about the dangers of dieting, the importance of eating a variety of foods, and the benefits of enjoying moderate exercise to feel healthy and strong.
- Avoid overemphasizing a person's beauty, size and shape.
- Accept and embrace the individual for who they are and don't endorse the idea that a particular diet, weight or body size will automatically lead to happiness or fulfillment.
- Talk to others about the natural differences in body types and that each one is okay. Discuss the body's powerful attempts to maintain these naturally varied shapes and sizes.
- Encourage and implement positive comments about your body and other's bodies. Be a good role model in your approaches about weight concern, food and body image. Keep in mind that your comments — both positive and negative — can influence others.
- Reflect and be conscious of the way your beliefs and attitudes about your and others' bodies are influenced by our societal expectations.
- Practice self-care by getting plenty of rest, maintaining healthy nutrition and maintaining an active lifestyle.
- Enjoy the time you spend with loved ones and appreciate those who care about you.