I think in the field of weight loss, you see and hear about ED a lot & have to deal with questions or actually help someone that is suffering with ED quite often.

 However, I understand if somebody came to you & you had no clue whatsoever of what to do & how to help them properly.

 So, I’ve decided to share with you some tips and advice to help someone that has ED, as it could save a life, I’m also going to be sharing info from a charity that I donate often to, Beat Eating Disorders, who are a UK charity that deal with this daily, and have a greater understanding of all of this than I.

So, it will be a mix of us both, my motivation for this is for you to be able to spot it in someone, or yourself a lot sooner, and get the help, or give the help a lot sooner, which will then save more lives, and stop this sad & painful disorder in its tracks.

Beat Eating Disorders Gives The Following Advice

 If you’re worried about someone then it’s important to encourage them to seek treatment as quickly as possible to ensure the best chance of recovery.

But treatment is only one aspect of the recovery journey, and there are ways outside of your loved one’s treatment program  that you can play a vital role in helping them get better, regardless of your relationship to them.

This can range from being a listening ear, to going to the supermarket with them and supporting them after mealtimes.

Each person is different and will need different things, but this will give you some ideas about what you can do to help.

And remember, one of the most important things you can do for your loved one is look after yourself. 

My Advice To You About What We’ve Just Read

You have to expect that if you first tell someone that you are worried, they are going to brush it off, it does not mean you don’t say anything again, or not to do it, just that it could be news to this person, or they are trying to hide it from you/themselves denial, you know.

Losing your rag and shouting or arguing with them is not going to solve anything, it could trigger them even more, so you must be the calm one, as you cannot force someone to go into treatment, they have to want to do it, force just like in many other things…

It may get someone in the door, but it won’t stop them from escaping from it, with the next chance that they get/make.

I’m glad they said that the treatment is only one aspect to the journey, when they return if you’re an important person in their life, your role is vital, as they could fall off again, it’s something that could always slip back in again, as you’re dealing with a way of thinking, thoughts come and go all the time, right ?

So if a certain way of thinking occurs again, it could lead to ED again, food is not going anywhere it’s all around us, so be there for them after they come out, that’s good of you.

However, keep that same energy, when it’s no longer a fresh thing anymore, if they come to you and speak about their struggle, or are just having an off day, show that same energy, don’t just think it’s over.

As for the last two points made here, yes everyone has different needs, some you might not be able to help with but with what you can, always try to do your best, or seek help with those that do, Beat Eating Disorders.

They were right to tell you to look after yourself, they need you at your best, your cup must be full and not empty, your head must be in the right space, this takes a lot of effort, time and energy, especially if it’s new to you…

The person is unwell, the aim is for them to get recovered, not for you to go down with depression, or just stop sleeping, and neglect yourself, they could have so easily of not told you that, so respect for them for keeping it 100. 

Look after you always, and be at your best, as someone else’s life that you know, or don’t know, could depend on it.

 Beat Eating Disorders General Tips For You To Follow

Recognise that you are not to blame.

Acknowledge to your loved one that they are not to blame.

Recognise how distressing the illness is for your loved one.

Educate yourself about eating disorders where you can.

Ask your loved one how they are feeling and what they are thinking, rather than making assumptions.

Avoid discussing weight, shape, food, and diets in front of your loved one, and model a balanced relationship with your own food and exercise.

Remind yourself that things can change and reassure your loved one that recovery is possible.

Ask your loved one what you can do to help – for example, helping them to stick to regular eating, putting in boundaries following mealtimes, having a space to talk about how they are feeling.

Your loved one may respond that you can just “leave them alone” or that you can’t do anything to help, so here it can be helpful to remind them you can hear their distress and how difficult things are, And you are there if they need you.

Recognise any ‘accommodating or enabling behaviours’ – behaviours that you do to help reduce your loved one’s distress from the eating disorder, for example, cleaning up vomit or cooking different meals for them, but that collude with the disorder and cover up the negative consequences of the behaviours.

To End

There is so much more than just this, but this is the general tips for you to follow, or a place where you can seek help, or to be aware that I’ve helped many with ED before and I’m open to anyone, who is suffering or if you know of anyone who is, to help them recover.

I’m going to leave the Beat eating disorders link below, for you to check them out, learn even more,

seek help/support or even donate if you wish to do so!

Today is all about those that suffer from ED, if this can push someone to learn more, give help or

save a life then, it’s well worth doing this, as this is taking lives…

I hope if you ever felt like you were powerless to help, or clueless in what to do, that now you have some clarity,  better understanding and feel empowered to step up if you are ever needed to/ want to.

Learn More Here 

THAT’S IT!

Please let me know your thoughts on this?

  Until We Meet Again, Ciao

   We Look Up 大

Karim David 

The Healthy One