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NEDA TOOLKIT for Parents Take a break if your loved one continues to deny the problem Revisit the subject again soon, but not in a confrontational way. It’s frustrating and scary to see someone you love suffering and be unable to do much about it. Remember that control is often a big issue. You cannot successfully control another person’s behavior. Many patients and families interviewed about these issues discussed “control” as a key issue they had to come to terms with. If your child is older than 18, treatment cannot be forced or discussed with any health professional without written permission from your child. Even if your child is younger than age 18 years of age, he/she must be willing to acknowledge the problem and want to participate in treatment. In some cases, enlisting the support of others whom the person likes and respects may help—like a teacher, coach, guidance counselor, or other mentor who can share your concerns. Lastly, being a good support means that you also have to take good care of yourself and attend to the stresses you feel from the situation This is important not only for your wellbeing, but also to serve as a model of healthy behavior for the person you are trying to support. Don’t let your loved one’s eating disorder completely rule your life. Page | 14