top of page
Winter Snow

HELPING A LOVED ONE WITH ANOREXIA

​

​

  • Eat with them 

  • Don't talk about calories

  • Don’t talk about body shape or type

  • Don’t make any comments regarding their appearance

  • Distract them

  • Ask them what you can do to help

  • Offer them food like you would do anybody else despite them saying no

  • Compliment them on things other than their appearance 

  • Don't comment on what they're eating

  • Avoid saying they look healthy

  • Buy foods they like offer your support trust them

  • Don’t refer to what they were like “before" the illness

  • Avoid sharing your activity level with them 

​

​

​

​

 

It is not your fault that your loved one is struggling with an eating disorder. Nor is it your responsibility to "fix them". Offering support and love is always enough. Always make sure to look after yourself too! You are always enough, and your efforts will never go unnoticed or unappreciated.

 

Support can come in all shapes and sizes having a loved one who cares about you, is the best feeling ever. These are some tips which I feel loved ones should know when supporting an individual with an eating disorder. What works for one person could be so triggering to another. So always ensure you ask what they find helpful. But these phrases are very generic and can be helpful to a lot of people struggling with anorexic thoughts. I would also like to add that only 6% of individuals who are diagnosed with anorexia are underweight. It is a mental illness, not a physical illness. Weight loss is simply a symptom.

REMINDER!

 RESOURCES WHICH COULD BE USEFUL TO YOU

Around 1.25 million individuals in the UK suffer from an eating disorder, all originating from different backgrounds, age, genders, eating disorders don't discriminate and can target any vulnerable individuals in times of uncertainty or change. The amount of eating disorders are endless. Anorexia in partiuclar has the highest mortality rate of mental illness, though all eating disorders are deadly and debilitating. Eating disorders affect everyones quality of life surrounding the inividual whos directly impacted, it has multiple secondary impacts on everyone. They steal childhoods, destroy family relationsjips and devesate families and their dynamics. Its important to remember that with the correct treatment and support, recovery is possible. 

​

Beat are a national helpline that exist to encourage and empwoer people to get help swiftly and effectively. The sooner treatment begins, the increased change of recovery and life without an eating disorder. Their organistion is open every single day of the year. They can listen, help individuals to understand their illness and support them to take positive steps towards recovery and also offer support for family and friends as well as equipping them with essential skills and advice so they can assist their loved ones in getting better.


Eva musby is a mum of a child who suffered from anorexia nervosa. She has rodufed lots of helpful and insightful information and resources to help other families who are faced with the illness. The website and book that shes created contains information about helping to support a child with an eating disorder. Alongside this, she has published a book which will be helpful for parents. 
 

Beat are a national helpline that exist to encourage and empower people to get help swiftly and effectively. The sooner treatment begins, the increased change of recovery and life without an eating disorder. Their organistion is open every single day of the year. They can listen, help individuals to understand their illness and support them to take positive steps towards recovery and also offer support for family and friends as well as equipping them with essential skills and advice so they can assit their loved ones in getting better. It discusses difficult areas in caring for loved ones and uses evidence based research and personal experience. 

Instagram- abswellbeing 

You've got this!
 
bottom of page