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.
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