I never ever thought that I will have a major role in the eating disorder treatment of my sister.

It happened 3 years back. My sister – Sandra was obsessed with calories! We laughed and joked when she measured fat grams and counted calories every time she ate something. She started maintaining a food diary, calorie charts, read food labels, weighed portions and would spend hours reading diet books. She would spend hours exercising to loose some extra fat which she believed she had. She lost weight but wanted to lose more. We realized that everything wasn’t all fine when my Mom observed that she rushed to the bathroom every time she ate anything…our fears proved to be true when our Doctor told us, she was suffering from an eating disorder.

He told us about various eating disorder treatments which are available today. Keeping in mind her specific symptoms and issues he suggested us a combination of therapy and counseling sessions. We knew that her friends and family need to help her come out of this eating disorder so that she gets back to her normal life.

Eating disorder treatment should be started as early as possible. You just cannot force the patient to change her belief and behavior but a difference can be brought through love, care and support. If you wish to know the role of family and friends in helping eating disorder treatment, this information is surely going to help you.

Setting an example: Family members and friends of the person suffering from eating disorder need to play a very positive role. They should avoid making any negative statements about weight or eating habits. Communication is very important – the patient needs to be made comfortable and encouraged to take professional help.

Educate yourself: If someone in your family or your close friend is suffering from an eating disorder you can be of help. Start by educating yourself and try to find out the causes of such disorders. If you know the symptoms, causes, therapies and treatment you will surely have a role in the eating disorder treatment…if you are confused and have some myths in your mind, you wont be able to offer whole hearted support.

Communicating: Communication is very important. Family members need to show care, trust and encouragement. You have to understand their feelings, hear their problems and concerns and show your sympathy. You have to resist your urge to criticize because it is not going to help. As a friend of the patient you need to spend some lighter moments, share jokes and listen to good music – it all acts as a therapy and will aid in the Doctors treatment. It is all about creating a happy environment.

Many counselors suggest about bringing a change in the eating habits of the entire family. Too much importance on food shouldn’t be given when you are eating with the patient – instead, it is better to concentrate on other discussions. This way, the attention of the patient can be diverted so that the patient gets very little time to think about food. If the patient is out with friends everyone should have the same food – the main goal is to distract the focus and attention of the patient, so that the patient is helped to get back to normal life as soon as possible.

Image courtesy: freedomfrombulimia; oprah: answerfitness.