Eating Disorder Awareness: resources for friends and family
I recently polled my audience to find out how many people knew a loved one struggled with or had struggled with an eating disorder themselves. The overwhelming response (94%) was "yes," which considering it is topic I frequently talk about is not so surprising. However what did surprise me was that fact that as many as 50% of the people polled didn't know how to help a struggling friend or loved one and didn't know where to turn for help.While eating disorder awareness and body positivity have certainly grown in their mainstream presence, it is still a somewhat taboo topic that isn't often discussed.
A Starting Point
I put together two resources and while they aren't exhaustive by any means, they are a place to start. And often, that's all we need: a starting point.Below you'll find a quick guide to helping a loved one or friend with an eating disorder as well as a list of resources from reputable sources.[Tweet "A starting point for helping a loved one with an #eatingdisorder"]
What to Remember
More than anything the most important thing to remember if you or some one you love is struggling with an eating disorder is that:
Complete recovery is possible. It's not reserved for a select few who "get it." If you want it. If you believe it is for you. You can have it. Be relentless in this belief.
If you have a desire to change and recover then you can. And conversely if the person you want to help doesn't have a desire to change, you can not make them want to change. It must come from within.
Love always wins. Lead with love.
[Tweet "Important resources for loved ones--> eating disorder recovery #neda #edrecovery"]
Find more about my story and another list of resources HERE.
Or read about my husband's perspective and active role in my recovery HERE.
-Sarah
Want to connect?
Follow me on Instagram.
Or connect with me here, I love getting emails from readers!
Email: RunFarGirl [at] gmail [dot] comTwitter:@RunFarGirl
Facebook:Facebook.com/sarahcanney
Pinterest: pinterest.com/sarahcanney