Recovery from an eating disorder is a journey that’s not walked alone. For those supporting loved ones in their recovery, being an ally means offering compassion, understanding, and unwavering support. While it may feel daunting at times, being an ally is a powerful role that can make a significant difference in someone’s journey towards healing and self-discovery. In this guide, I’ll explore ways you can be a positive force in your loved one’s eating disorder recovery journey, fostering an environment of empowerment, love, and hope.

Pepetoe’s Guide To Supporting Loved Ones in ED Recovery:

1. Educate Yourself: Empower yourself with knowledge about eating disorders. Understand the different types of eating disorders, their symptoms, and potential triggers. By educating yourself, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of what your loved one is going through and how you can best support them on their recovery path.
2. Practice Active Listening: Create a safe space for open and honest communication. Listen to your loved one without judgment or interruption, allowing them to express their thoughts, feelings, and concerns. Validate their experiences and emotions, showing empathy and understanding. Sometimes, all someone needs is to feel heard and understood.
3. Offer Non-Judgmental Support: Show your loved one that you are there for them unconditionally. Offer your support without imposing judgment or pressure. Avoid making comments about their appearance or food choices. Instead, focus on expressing your love, encouragement, and belief in their ability to overcome challenges.
4. Encourage Professional Help: Encourage your loved one to seek professional help from therapists, counsellors, or medical professionals specialising in eating disorders. Offer to assist them in finding resources and scheduling appointments. Remember that recovery is a journey, and seeking professional support is a crucial step towards healing.
5. Foster a Nourishing Environment: Create a supportive environment that promotes health and well-being. Encourage balanced eating habits, regular physical activity, and self-care practices. Engage in activities together that promote joy, relaxation, and self-expression, such as cooking a meal together, going for a nature walk, or practicing mindfulness exercises.
6. Practice Self-Care: Supporting a loved one in eating disorder recovery can be emotionally challenging. Remember to prioritise your own well-being and practice self-care regularly. Set boundaries to protect your own mental and emotional health. Seek support from friends, family members, or support groups if needed.
7. Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge and celebrate every small victory and milestone in your loved one’s recovery journey. Whether it’s trying a new food, attending a therapy session, or expressing their emotions openly, every step forward is worth celebrating. Offer words of encouragement and praise, reminding your loved one of their strength and resilience.

Being an ally in eating disorder recovery is a journey of love, compassion, and unwavering support. By educating yourself, practicing active listening, offering non-judgmental support, encouraging professional help, fostering a nourishing environment, practicing self-care, and celebrating progress, you can be a beacon of hope and positivity in your loved one’s recovery journey. Together, we can create a world where healing and self-love thrive, one supportive gesture at a time.

A reminder that those going through eating disorders often suffer from social withdrawal and may even reject your help. The key is to just be there for them, even if it gets hard for you. Seek support yourself if you’re finding it hard to support your loved one, or even feel triggered by it.

If you have been made upset by reading this, or feel triggered, please reach out to helplines such as BEAT or Mind – or even DM me on my socials

Fundraiser

Please keep sharing your love on my JustGiving page – raising money for BEAT Eating Disorders UK.

If you are able to (and there’s no pressure) here’s the link to the JustGiving page. Our aim is to raise £150 this week, so every little helps <3