How To Tell Your Family About Your Eating Disorder
It can be hard to tell your family about your eating disorder.It's a good idea to let your family know about your eating disorder so they can understand you better.Before you talk to your family, make a plan and know what you want to say.
Step 1: Take into account the benefits of speaking out.
If you are afraid of what your family may say or do, you may not tell them about your eating disorder.How can it help you talk to them about it?You no longer have to carry the burden of keeping the eating disorder a secret as you can tell your family.It is possible to get people to talk to and support you when you reach out to your family.They may be able to help you overcome your eating disorder.
Step 2: You can tell your family in a number of ways.
You can tell your family in a letter or email if you don't want to have a face-to-face discussion.If you want to express yourself through writing, you should allow your family time to process everything and say everything you need to say.Writing a letter may be a better way to deal with disruptions during a conversation.
Step 3: Decide who to tell.
You can tell your whole family or certain family members.If you have an eating disorder, think about who you want to be.You may want your sister to know but not your younger brother.Consider who will help you with your eating disorder.
Step 4: Know that they will have their own reactions.
It may take some time for your family to get used to what you are saying.It is ok for them to have their own reactions.It might take a few minutes, hours, or days for the shock to wear off.Some people may not think an eating disorder is a big deal.It is important to communicate the seriousness of having an eating disorder.Remember that each person will respond in his or her own way, so prepare yourself for that.These reactions have nothing to do with you, they are how your family is handling the information.You are responsible for what you say and do.You don't have to be responsible for other people's actions.
Step 5: Provide some things.
If your family is unfamiliar with eating disorders and the harm they can cause, look up some resources that you can share with them.If you are unsure of how to explain eating disorders to your family, you may want to rely on some information.Check out some resources and give them to your family.Your family will be prepared to help you if they are educated about eating disorders.If you give your family resources, they will be able to process it at their own pace.You can find information on eating disorders on some websites, such as http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/Topics/eating-disorders/index.shtml.
Step 6: You can arrange a time and a place to talk.
If you want to tell your family in person, arrange a time and place to do so.Don't rush off to other activities at a time when people are available.Pick a place that will allow you to talk without interruption.You can have the discussion at home, in your backyard, or on a walk outside.
Step 7: A friend can help you.
If you are worried about telling your family on your own, ask a friend to come and support you.You can ask a friend to come and sit with you, or encourage you to keep talking.A supportive friend can help if you are scared of telling your family.
Step 8: Start the conversation.
You need to find a way to talk about your eating disorder.It may be the most difficult part of the discussion.Say something general when you are with your family.Before you talk about your eating disorder, you may want to ask for their support.Thanks for making time for me.I hope you will be supportive because this is hard to talk about.I think I have an eating disorder as I struggle to balance my health.
Step 9: Share your feelings.
Eating disorders are more than just about eating.Some of your actions regarding food are caused by complex emotions.Share your feelings about food, body, or eating disorder.You could say that having these health problems makes me feel scared and alone or that I have felt isolated and embarrassed dealing with this on my own.
Step 10: There are signs and symptoms of eating disorders.
Your family may not know much about eating disorders.Let your family know about the eating disorder that you struggle with and what to look out for.Hiding food, secretive habits around food and eating feeling shame, guilt, and disgust about yourself are some of the symptoms of eating disorders.
Step 11: Tell any myths your family has about eating disorders.
You may need to educate your family on eating disorders that are not true for you.Young women with eating disorders are assumed to be very thin.People with eating disorders can be thought of as vain or self-obsessed.Address these issues with your family and educate them about the myths.It is important that your family sees the eating disorder as serious and not a phase.
Step 12: Ask for help.
You can seek medical help or seek a therapist.Your family can help you reach out for treatment.You don't know what you need or where to start.If you want to get on a healthy track, ask your family to help.They can help you find a therapist, get treatment in a residential setting, or see a doctor.Don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it.I need help, I am struggling to deal with this on my own.I want professional treatment for support and guidance.Would you help me?
Step 13: Say what you want.
It is possible to tell your family how you would like them to support you.Some families are not involved in your care while others are.Tell your family how you would like to be supported.Say this to your family if you need help with meal planning.If you don't want help with your eating disorder, let them know what you do.
Step 14: Discuss power struggles.
Tell your family that eating disorders can be caused by a desire to be in control.It is not helpful for someone to take control of your life if you feel out of control.Ask your family not to force you to eat or do something you don't want to do.If you are sensitive to criticism about your eating, ask your family not to criticize you.Tell them what you want to control.You can tell your family that you want to control your breakfast and snacks throughout the day.It is not helpful for you to engage in a power struggle.
Step 15: Encourage discussions that aren't based on appearance.
Let your family know you don't want to talk about appearance.Compliments can be atrigger for self-criticism.Negative thoughts about your body can be set off by comments regarding weight or appearance.Say, "I don't find comments about appearance helpful to my recovery."If your focus was on me, I would appreciate it.I would appreciate any encouragement you give.
Step 16: You can ask for helpful comments.
It is not helpful for family members to say, "Just eat something!" or "If you would just eat, you wouldn't have any problems!"Ask them to give you encouragement.Ask them to say that they have been working hard to get on track and that you are taking care of your health.