How to Support a Loved One with an Eating Disorder
Supporting someone with an eating disorder can feel overwhelming, but your care and understanding can make a real difference. Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses that affect both physical and emotional health.
Understanding the Scope
Eating disorders affect millions worldwide and often coexist with anxiety, depression, or trauma. They also carry one of the highest mortality rates among psychiatric conditions.
Starting the Conversation
Approach the topic gently and focus on concern rather than food or weight. Listening without judgment often helps more than advice.
Practical Ways to Support
1. Listen and Validate
Offer empathy and avoid minimizing their experience.
2. Educate Yourself
Understanding eating disorders helps you respond with compassion and patience.
3. Encourage Professional Help
Support access to therapists, dietitians, and medical professionals experienced in eating disorders.
4. Model Healthy Behaviors
Avoid diet talk, body shaming, or extreme exercise discussions.
5. Set Boundaries
Supporting someone does not mean enabling harmful behaviors.
Supporting Yourself
Caring for someone else can be emotionally exhausting. Seek your own support when needed.
When to Seek Emergency Help
- Fainting or severe dehydration
- Heart irregularities
- Suicidal thoughts or self-harm