Help a Loved One With Bulimia
Helping a loved one with bulimia is a difficult task. We are pushed to nurture those we love by nature, which can make it hard to find the right approach to dealing with somebody who has an eating disorder, as many are in denial or refuse to get help. No matter what stage of the problem your loved one is in, there are things you can do to help support and guide that person through recovery.
Instructions
1. Learn as much as you can about the disease. Bulimia is highly misunderstood, and many people don't know help a loved one because they lack the knowledge of what bulimia is and how is it treated.
2. Offer support without being invasive. As much as you want your loved one to be healthy, this is a problem she must fight on her own, without your intervention. Listening to her, being non-judgmental and keeping your own emotions under control are all great ways to offer support and help.
3. Encourage the other person to seek professional help. Bulimia is a serious eating disorder that requires the help of an expert in order to overcome it. If your loved one doesn't have medical coverage and cannot afford to pay for his own therapy, help him locate free support groups through hospitals, community centers or the Internet.
4. Don't ignore the problem. While you must give the other person the right to confront the disease at her own pace, you can still express your concern and let the person know you are worried. Ask questions rather than making conclusions and let your loved one know you are ready to help in any way you can.
5. Think about family therapy. While bulimia has many causes, many of which are hard to pinpoint, a supportive family environment can help the patient deal with the problem, and it can also teach you act around her so you become a support rather than a hindrance in her recovery.
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