I suspect my daughter or son has an eating disorder, what should I do?

What should parents do if they suspect their son or daughter may have an eating disorder (ED)?

When suspicion arises, families are shaken with many fears, anxieties, uncertainties, feelings and emotions that are difficult to manage.

Coping styles in families with members with an eating disorder

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The first step is to confirm the suspicion in a trusting and supportive environment; a step that is not always easy for either the parents or the children who are suffering from this problem.

This simple ten-point guide can help you create a suitable family environment to detect if there is indeed an eating disorder and begin to look for professional solutions, accompanying your son or daughter in this recovery process.

Ten guidelines for families who suspect their son or daughter has an eating disorder:

1. Make sure to provide a physical space where your son or daughter feels safe and confident so they can express their fears or concerns freely.
2. Create an atmosphere of trust . This way, they will feel comfortable enough to acknowledge that they have a problem and will be more likely to accept help.
3. Speak calmly , but convincingly. Encourage dialogue, show interest in what might be happening to them.
4. Use active listening . This involves being empathetic, putting yourself in the speaker's shoes, and understanding their feelings, thoughts, and emotions. Active listening will allow for closer and more positive communication and will help your son or daughter feel supported.
5. Act calmly and thoughtfully, without overreacting . A diagnosis of an eating disorder is very serious, but it can be overcome with the help of specialized professionals.
6. It is very important to emphasize the idea that asking for help will help you feel better about the problem you are experiencing.
7. Don't fall for the deception . People with an eating disorder may frequently lie to their families to maintain their restrictive eating habits or other symptoms related to the disorder. If you allow yourself to be convinced that nothing serious is really wrong, you're falling into self-deception and not helping the affected person. We must trust the person and be wary of the disorder.
8. Don't make hasty decisions . The problem won't be solved in two days. It's a difficult situation and therefore requires composure and careful thought before acting.
9. She believes it's a mental health disorder . It's not just a phase or a silly thing that comes with age. Eating disorders are mental disorders in which the person suffers greatly, both psychologically and physically.
10. Consult a healthcare professional for an evaluation of your child and to begin treatment with specialists if necessary. Early detection, the start of specialized treatment, and family support are key to a positive prognosis for this disorder.