- Calls to this hotline are currently being directed to Within Health or Eating Disorder Solutions
- Representatives are standing by 24/7 to help answer your questions
- All calls are confidential and HIPAA compliant
- There is no obligation or cost to call
- Eating Disorder Hope does not receive any commissions or fees dependent upon which provider you select
- Additional treatment providers are located on our directory or samhsa.gov
Guidelines for Speaking with Parents About Your Eating Disorder
Contributed by Canopy Cove
Thinking about sharing with your parents that you are struggling with disordered eating is anxiety provoking to say the least.
Anxious thoughts like, “They will be disappointed in me,” “They will freak out,” or, “I don’t even know how to tell them or what to say,” are all common when thinking about reaching out for support. Speaking with parents about your eating disorder is and will be difficult.
Thinking about speaking with parents about your eating struggles can prompt other intense emotions too – sadness, shame, guilt, and even anger, can surface as well.
What’s important to recognize is that the eating disorder is likely amplifying these emotions and this is even more of a reason to seek the support of your parents rather than going the course alone.
What can be helpful before having this tough talk is to have some strategies or guidelines before heading into the conversation:
1. Channel your inner cheerleader. When thinking about speaking with parents about your eating disorder and reaching out to them for support, you may begin to waver in your decision to talk to them. This often happens because of those anxious thoughts mentioned earlier.
The truth is, having the support of parents and family when struggling with an eating disorder is one of the most helpful tools for a successful recovery [1]. For this reason, it is essential to remind yourself that it’s not only okay to reach out for help, but it is also necessary. You may have to cheer yourself on with self-affirmations like, “It’s okay to reach out for support,” “I am loved and supported,” or “It’s okay that I need help with this.”
2. Plan the “when.” Find a good time and a comfortable place to have the conversation. Choosing a place that feels comfortable to you and a time when you can have parent’s undivided attention will help ensure that you are able to get the support you need without interruption.
3. Plan the “what.” Thinking about what you are going to tell your parents beforehand can help make the whole situation less stressful and allow you to be most effective in getting the support you need.
Writing down what you want to say beforehand may be helpful in finding your words. You may need to practice speaking the words out loud beforehand or even read to your parents what you’ve written down in order to make the conversation easier for you – that’s okay!
An example statement may be, “Mom and Dad, I want to tell you that I’ve been struggling with eating for some time now. I’ve tried overcoming it on my own, yet I’m finding I need more help and support. I would like your support and help in finding treatment so that I can overcome this challenge. Can you help me find treatment?”
4. Be willing to listen and to be honest. Your parents may respond in a number of ways. Be receptive and willing to listen. They may have an emotional response and voice fear, guilt, confusion, or concern – this is anticipated, as they love you deeply and want what is best for you. Know that you are not responsible for their emotions and that they can also get support.
They may ask to follow up questions to try to learn more about what has been going on for you. Try to be as open and honest as you can so that you can get the support that you’re needing. It may be helpful to return to that initial step of channeling your inner cheerleader – remind yourself of how important it is for you to feel well and that this difficult conversation is necessary for you to be well.
It may be helpful to provide parents with a resource, such as Eating Disorder Hope, so they can learn more about eating disorders and begin to support you in a way that is most helpful.
In some instances, parents may not be able to support you. Please know that there are other adults who are there and willing to be of support.
For example, turning to a school counselor, teacher, clergy, coach, professor, or another adult whom you trust is vital in getting the support that you need for recovery. You can also reach out to the National Eating Disorder Association Helpline.
Sources:
Le Grange, D., Lock, J., Loeb, K., & Nicholls, D. (2009). Academy for Eating Disorders Position Paper: The Role of the Family in Eating Disorders. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 1- 5.
About Our Sponsor:
Canopy Cove Eating Disorder Treatment Center is a leading residential Eating Disorder Treatment Center with 25 years’ experience treating adults and teens who are seeking lasting recovery from Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating Disorder and other related eating disorders.
We are a licensed rehabilitative provider accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities. Trusted and recommended by doctors and therapists throughout the country, our program provides clients with clinical excellence and compassionate care.
As one of the most experienced Eating Disorder Centers in the nation, we’ve developed a highly effective program that incorporates solid evidence-based therapies which have been shown to increase recovery rates.
- Each person we treat receives a customized treatment plan tailored to their specific needs.
- We increase recovery rates by simultaneously treating co-existing conditions such as anxiety, depression. (We also accept clients with an Eating Disorder and co-existing Diabetes).
- We provide family education and family therapy throughout the recovery process. (Offered by phone for out of town families).
Our Christian-based eating disorder treatment program warmly accepts all clients from various belief systems.
Get help now. Call 855-338-8620.
www.canopycove.com
info@CanopyCove.com
About the Author:
Chelsea Fielder-Jenks is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice in Austin, Texas. Chelsea works with individuals, families, and groups primarily from a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) framework.
She has extensive experience working with adolescents, families, and adults who struggle with eating, substance use, and various co-occurring mental health disorders. You can learn more about Chelsea and her private practice at ThriveCounselingAustin.com.
The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer a discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.
We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Published on November 13, 2018.
Reviewed & Approved on November 13, 2018, by Jacquelyn Ekern MS, LPC
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com
