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Do's and Don'ts
DO
- Read literature about eating disorders to increase your understanding of this disease. Learning about these illnesses
is an important first step in recovery.
- Maintain communication so the family member does not feel isolated. Being
apart from other family members can maintain ritualistic behavior and secrecy.
- Continue regular family eating patterns
and holiday gatherings. Routines and traditions provide stability.
- Give the family member room and time to grow.
Autonomy and independence will help improve his/her self-esteem.
- Realize that the main responsibility for weight
issues and eating habits is between the individual and a treatment team or plan.
- Be aware that the individual's
condition may continue for a long time. Be patient. Join a support group for family members or begin therapy to help you
cope with your own situation in relation to the individual with the eating disorder.
DON'T- Allow
yourself to feel guilty. Getting well is the individual's responsibility. You and others are not to blame for his/her condition.
- Watch the family member eat or discuss his/her food intake or weight. The comments will only perpetuate his/her
extreme preoccupation with food.
- Compare the family member with others. These comments further lower self esteem.
- Insist
that your ideas/values are the only right ones. Trust the family member to find his/her own standards.
- Neglect others
in the family. Concentrating on the family member with an eating disorder perpetuates the illness and disrupts the family.
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