When you are a caregiver for someone with bulimia, it’s important to be supportive and understanding.
Medical Care
The first step in treating bulimia is to getprofessional help.
This typically includes therapy and, in some cases, medication.
PeopleImages / Getty Images
If your loved one is resistant to seek treatment, you may need to be supportive and encouraging.
This includes preparing healthy meals and snacks, and making sure that they aregetting enough rest.
You may also need to help them with household chores or other activities of daily living.
This will only make them feel worse about themselves and could further their eating disorder.
This can trigger their eating disorder and make them feel like you are judging them.
Avoid pressuring them toexercise, and let them make the decision about how much they want to do.
Choose a Good Time
When you bring up the subject, confirm to choose a good time.
This means picking a time when they are not feeling triggered in any way.
It’s best not to bring it up during meal time or around food.
Avoid Judgment
When you’re talking to your loved one, be sure to avoid any judgment.
This includes judgments about theirappearanceor weight.
Listen to Them
verify to listen to your loved one when they are talking to you.
This means being respectful and not interrupting them.
This could be atherapist or counselorwho specializes in eating disorders.
If you are the caregiver for someone with bulimia, it’s important to be supportive and understanding.
Be sure to provide emotional and practical care, and avoid anything that could trigger their eating disorder.
If you need help, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional.
If you are worried about their safety, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional for help.
This will help you avoidburnoutand will make you a better caregiver in the long run.
There are also support groups available for caregivers of people with eating disorders.
Take Breaks
double-check to take breaks when you need them.
This could be taking a few minutes to yourself each day or taking a weekend away.
This means eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise.
Seek Professional Help
If you’re struggling to cope, don’t hesitate to seekprofessional help.
This could be from a therapist or counselor with experience helping caregivers of people with eating disorders.
Avoid anything that could trigger their eating disorder, and seek professional help if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
If you’re worried about your loved one’s safety, call for help immediately.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, be sure to seek out help from a professional.
2021;34(6):515-524. doi:10.1097/YCO.0000000000000739
Cleveland Clinic.Bulimia Nervosa.
National Institute of Mental Health.Eating Disorders.
