How to Help a Teen Through an Eating Disorder
Eating disorders -- such as anorexia, bulimia and binge eating -- are mental illnesses that often lead to a wide range of negative physical side effects, including weight loss, anemia, hair loss, tooth decay, electrolyte imbalances and menstrual cycle disruption. KidsHealth.org reports that 1 to 2 percent of every 100 children are afflicted with an eating disorder, and the National Eating Disorders Association says that anorexia is the third most prevalent chronic illness that affects adolescent females in the United States. Proper treatment for any type of eating-related illness is crucial and requires the collaborative efforts of a doctor, a therapist and a nutritionist, according to KidsHealth.org. If your teen suffers from an eating disorder, seek help from appropriate health care professionals, and do what you can to aid the healing process.
Instructions
Educate yourself. Your role as a source of support requires learning as much as possible about your teen̵7;s specific disorder. Consult reputable online sources, such as the National Institute of Mental Health and the National Alliance on Mental Illness. In addition, stay up-to-date on your teen̵7;s physical and mental progress by communicating regularly with her professional recovery team. Gaining insight into what your teen is going through will help you understand the complexity of your child̵7;s illness and allow you to be more empathetic, which can increase your effectiveness as a means of support. Offer your unconditional support. This involves letting your teen know that you want to help in any way possible and that you are always available to talk or to just listen. The National Eating Disorder Information Centre suggests simply asking your teen how you can be supportive and recommends checking in periodically, as your teen̵7;s needs and willingness to communicate may change throughout the recovery process. Encourage healthy eating habits. Prepare nutritious meals that appeal to your teen, and eat together as a family on a regular basis. Keep your kitchen stocked with foods that your teen enjoys -- even if they are not low-fat or low-calorie -- and provide gentle reminders about how a balanced diet can improve a person̵7;s physical and mental health. Even if your teen struggles to break the unhealthy cycle of her eating disorder, patiently continue to provide consistent encouragement, and be a good role model for healthy eating habits. Consult your child̵7;s doctor or nutritionist about dietary recommendations. Avoid saying things that may make your teen feel guilty about disorder-related behaviors. NEDA recommends replacing ̶0;you̶1; statements, which tend to sound accusatory, with ̶0;I̶1; statements. For example, if your teen refuses to eat, do not say things like, ̶0;You really need to eat your food,̶1; or ̶0;Why can̵7;t you just eat a little something?̶1; Instead, say, ̶0;I̵7;m worried because you haven̵7;t eaten any of your dinner.̶1; Nurture your teen̵7;s self-esteem. According to NEDA, the development of an eating disorder is rarely due to how a child feels about food or a desire to lose weight. Instead, eating disorders are more commonly associated with low self-esteem. Help to build your teen̵7;s sense of self-worth by reminding her that she is loved and by praising her accomplishments and positive actions. For example, compliment her for doing well on a math test, for helping her younger sibling with homework or for completing chores around the house. Also, encourage her to be involved in social activities and to stay connected with friends, as healthy friendships promote healthy self-esteem.
