Eating disorders cause a significant amount of physical and emotional damage to a person who suffers with one, but that’s not the full extent of the harm. They can also damage relationships by causing withdrawal from family and changes in behavior, leaving them confused and guilt-ridden.
Social life and family play a big role in eating disorder recovery. In treatment, these broader impacts can promote a supportive recovery environment.
The Psychological Impact on Family Members
Family members often suffer emotional tolls when a loved one develops an eating disorder. Fear, anxiety, and stress become daily companions for those who are concerned about the health and well-being of their loved ones. These feelings can be overwhelming and result in many sleepless nights.
Other commonplace feelings are guilt and blame. Parents may wonder if they could have done something differently to prevent the disorder. Siblings often feel guilty for not recognizing the signs sooner or are blamed for the family’s problems.
Strained Relationships
Family relationships can be strained by eating disorders. When emotions run high and patience wears thin, conflicts and misunderstandings increase. The disorder can change family dynamics, focusing almost entirely on the affected person. Family members who are caring for this individual often feel the burden of caregiving.
The disorder’s constant attention can result in resentment and further distance within the family, as other members may feel neglected.
Family Therapy and Support Groups
The benefits of family therapy include improved communication, improved emotions management, and continued support for a loved one’s recovery. It is also important to rebuild trust, air grievances, address guilt, and assist in eliminating guilt.
Families can also benefit from support groups. By participating in these groups, members can share their experiences and gain insight from others who understand. With this support, families will be able to cope better.
Social Isolation and Withdrawal
People with eating disorders can find social interactions frightening. Fear of judgement can prevent them from engaging in social situations. For example, a social gathering, meal, or casual outing are avoided rather than risking being uncomfortable.
As a result of social media and society, things become even more complicated. Insecurity is exacerbated by idealized body images. Individuals may feel isolated when they are unable to meet unrealistic standards.
Family Social Life
An eating disorder affects more than just the individual; it affects the whole family. A family member may withdraw from social interaction out of concern for the well-being of their loved one or out of fear of feeling uncomfortable. The disorder may lead to feelings of shame or a desire to hide it.
Once joyful social situations can cause stress and anxiety. Getting together with family, having holiday dinners, or simply having dinner with friends can cause tension. This can lead to further isolation as families may then try to avoid these situations.
Friends and Peers
Relationships can also become strained because friends may not understand what their loved one is going through, which leaves them feeling frustrated, confused, or even hurt. They may withdraw from friends, feeling that they are a burden.
The key to recovery is friends. Having a supportive friend group can help you feel normal. But peer pressure and insensitive comments can make things worse. The balance between friend support and pressure from others can be tricky, but it’s important.
Communication Breakdowns
Families have to tread lightly early on because the one suffering may take their help as criticism.
Family members might have trouble finding the right words. Communication issues can lead to silence or worse, avoidance, which creates more problems.
Even though it can be difficult, these conversations need to be handled right. A little patience and compassion can go a long way.
The Role of Professional Guidance
Having a counselor or therapist can help with communication. Families and individuals can express their fears, frustrations, and feelings in that space. Their aim is to help families cope with eating disorders by offering strategies to communicate with each other more effectively.
Also, family communication workshops and resources are great. They teach families how to listen, express concerns without blaming, and support their loved one without feeling overwhelmed. Family members can use these resources and learn how to communicate in a way that helps them understand and heal.
Long-Term Effects on Relationships
Chronic Stress and Its Impact
Relationships can be strained by eating disorders and the resulting worry, arguments, and emotional strain can wreck your mental health. When stress or pain go unresolved, resentment and estrangement can follow. These challenges can leave family members feeling betrayed or exhausted. Feelings like this can take a while to pass and if they never do, the relationship could end.
Recovery and Rebuilding Relationships
Recovering is tough, but it’s a chance to rebuild relationships. Trust takes time, patience, and sometimes professional help. Open, honest communication can fix even the most damaged relationships.
It’s common for families to recover and grow. Supporting and helping each other is the first step to building healthy relationships. Recovery heals both relationships and disorders. Families should get along better.
Organizations and Helplines
You need to know where to turn for help if you’re struggling with an eating disorder. You can get help, information, and support from the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA). You can ask questions, get advice, and get guidance on the way to recovery.
Another great organization is the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD). A family or individual with an eating disorder can benefit from ANAD’s support groups, recovery mentors, and educational materials.
Books, Articles, and Online Communities
Many books, articles, and online communities are available to help you learn more. Books like “Life Without Ed” by Jenni Schaefer and “Eating in the Light of the Moon” by Anita Johnston offer insight and personal stories that resonate with both individuals and their families.
Also, online forums and communities let you connect with others. NEDA and ANAD have forums where people can share stories and ask questions.
Creating a Support Network
Building a reliable support network is essential for ongoing recovery. This network can include family members, friends, therapists, and support groups. The goal is to surround the individual with people who understand their journey and can provide encouragement, accountability, and a listening ear when needed.
A strong support system helps prevent relapse and provides emotional and practical assistance for long-term recovery. Whether through professional guidance, support groups, or simply being there for one another, creating this network is a powerful step toward healing and maintaining well-being.
Conclusion
We’ve talked about how eating disorders affect family, friends, and overall mental health in this article.
Sirona Therapy can help you if you or someone you know has an eating disorder. In addition to treating eating disorders, Sirona Therapy offers compassionate, professional support groups. This team’s mission is to guide you through every step of your recovery journey by healing both your mind and relationships.
References:
- National Eating Disorders Association. (2023). The impact of eating disorders on families. Retrieved September 1, 2024, from https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/impact-eating-disorders-families
- American Psychological Association. (2020). Eating disorders: Key facts and statistics. Retrieved September 1, 2024, from https://www.apa.org/topics/eating-disorders/statistics
- National Institute of Mental Health. (2022). Eating disorders: About more than food. Retrieved September 1, 2024, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/eating-disorders/index.shtml
- Johnston, A. (2018). Eating in the light of the moon: How women can transform their relationship with food through myths, metaphors, and storytelling. Gurze Books.
- Schaefer, J. (2004). Life without Ed: How one woman declared independence from her eating disorder and how you can too. McGraw-Hill.
- National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders. (2023). Support for families. Retrieved September 1, 2024, from https://anad.org/support-groups/for-families/
- Mayo Clinic. (2023). Eating disorders: Symptoms and causes. Retrieved September 1, 2024, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/eating-disorders/symptoms-causes/syc-20353603