It’s National Eating Disorder Association‘s Eating Disorder Awareness Week, 
often referred to as EDAW. I asked Stefanie Boone, MS, RD, to provide some insights and tips on what an eating disorder is, what is is not, and ways in which you can be supportive. This year’s EDAW theme is “I had no idea.” We are grateful to have Stefanie as part of the Visions family:
When I see parents, friends, or significant others trying to support their loved one with an eating disorder, my heart goes out to them. Besides feeling guilty (is this my fault?), worried (will he or she be OK?), and overwhelmed, they are often at loss around how to be helpful. Friends, family, and community need education around the following concepts:
– That an eating disorder is really a symptom of deeper underlying issues;
– That their loved one cannot just simply stop the behavior;
– Certain things you may think would be supportive can actually make things worse;
– That their own talk and behavior around food, diet, and being dissatisfied with their own bodies have and will continue to affect their children or loved one;
– That the sports team their child is a part of may actually be feeding into their ED.
My top five tips for those who want to be supportive are:
1. If you are trying to get your loved one to seek help, take a loving and non-judgmental stance with your loved one. An eating disorder is a mental illness, and requires professional help. Express your concern from a loving place. Share how the ED is impacting you and your family.
2. If you are supporting an adult (spouse, parent, adult child) – do not be the food police. This is usually not helpful. With children and teens parents may need to be more involved – your child’s treatment team will guide you.
3. Be a positive role model – even if you do have your own opinions about food and even if you think you are “fat”, you need to stop sharing these thoughts and comments with your loved one.
And NEVER comment on how your loved looks – this is a very sensitive area and often a completely innocent comment such as “you look great” can be twisted into “is she saying I look fat?”
4. If your child is on a team sport, contact the coach – get more information as to what he/she is advising your children around food and exercise. Your child will most likely need to discontinue this sport at least temporarily while in recovery.
5. If you are a teen and have a friend you are worried about, talk to an adult about it immediately– teacher, school counselor, parents. I know this may be hard, but you may be saving your friend’s life.
Eating Disorder Awareness Week begins TODAY: 2/23-3/1. Please share your experience, strength and hope this week, using the hashtag #EDAW14. You never know who you’re helping or who might “hear” you for the first time.
Links to Check out:
How much DO you know? Take the NEDA QUIZ.
Download NEDA’s Key Messages HERE and let others know why you’re participating.
Originally posted on February 24, 2014 @ 1:48 am
