Eating disorders are mental illnesses that can lead to eating disorders.It can be difficult to support someone with an eating disorder if they are your partner.There is no right or wrong way to support your partner with an eating disorder.Learning about eating disorders, being kind and firm while talking and using positive language about food can help you be a pillar of strength in your partner's time of need.
Step 1: Tell your partner to seek help.
Most people with an eating disorder will need to work with a professional in order to recover, but you can support your partner in their daily life.There are many therapists who can help with eating disorder recovery.You can find a therapist if you have health insurance.
Step 2: Don't blame your partner for their eating disorder.
An eating disorder is a disease and not a choice.In order to get healthy again, your partner will need your support.
Step 3: Establish a support network for your partner.
People with eating disorders need more than one person to help with their recovery.Discuss who your partner would like to rely on in times of need with you.Close friends and family members who can be reached easily are usually included.
Step 4: Couples counseling can be done with your partner.
Recovering from an eating disorder can cause a lot of strain on your relationship.Suggest that you get couple's counseling together in order for your relationship to survive.You can learn how to support your partner the best throughout their recovery with the help of couples counseling.
Step 5: There are different types of eating disorders.
It is helpful to learn more about eating disorders if you think your partner has one.There are three main types of eating disorders, and your partner may have one or a combination of them.Anorexia is defined by the refusal to eat.Dramatic weight loss, skipping meals, denial of hunger, and making excuses for not eating are some of the telltale signs of an eating disorder.A bulimia is an eating disorder that involves throwing up after eating.If your partner makes frequent trips to the bathroom, uses breath mints to disguise the smell of vomit, or complains about an upset stomach, you might be at risk of having bulimia.Binge eating can be characterized by eating too much and feeling sick.If you find empty food wrappers hidden in your house, your partner could be consuming a lot of high-caloric food.
Step 6: It is a good idea to compliment them on their non-physical qualities.
Most people with eating disorders don't like to talk about their physical appearance.Don't bring attention to your partner's appearance.compliment them on their personality or how hard they have been working on recovery
Step 7: If it happens, accept a lack of intimacy.
Your partner will be going through a lot as they embark on their journey to recovery.They may feel bad about their body, experience a decrease in libido, or be tired more often than usual.Some or all of the recovery process may cause a lack of intimacy.Remember that your partner is trying to recover and become a better partner to you, so be patient with them.If it does happen, try not to make your partner feel bad.This can make it harder for them to recover.
Step 8: Don't expect your partner to be cured overnight.
Recovering from an eating disorder can take a long time.It will take a long time for your partner to recover from their eating disorder.They might have to work on it for the rest of their lives.Just because you are not seeing results immediately doesn't mean that your partner is not trying hard.It takes a different amount of time for someone to recover from an eating disorder.It's not a given that your partner will follow a specific timetable.
Step 9: If your partner is defensive, don't take offense.
If your partner has never been confronted with an eating disorder, it will be hard to deal with.They might be angry with you for trying to help them.If you can, try to have a rational conversation with them.Use phrases like, "I can tell you're having a hard time with your recovery, but this is important for your health and well being."
Step 10: Positive language when talking about food.
People with eating disorders have a lot of anxiety around food, which can make them think negatively about it.If you want to differentiate healthy and not healthy items, use words like "everyday food" and " sometimes food".
Step 11: Your partner has a support system.
They should have sought out a support system other than you.People are usually friends and family.You can use your partner's support system to get advice and have a shoulder to lean on.They care about you and your partner.
Step 12: Seek help from a professional.
It's hard to support a partner going through recovery for an eating disorder.It can make you feel like you don't have anyone to talk to.If you want to make sure your mental health is okay, seek counseling from a therapist.
Step 13: Take time to manage your stress levels.
Taking care of all of life's other responsibilities while also supporting your partner can be taxing.Take time to relax.Taking a walk in nature, playing with your pets, or listening to your favorite song in the car will give you some time to relax.Taking time for yourself and managing your stress can be achieved by practicing your favorite hobby, swimming, and riding a bike.