Eating disorders are a serious, long term condition. While recovery is possible, it is often a slow process that should be handled carefully.
The “stages of change” theory of behavioral change offers a useful way to help you understand the stages of recovery your loved one is going through and what you can do to offer support.
Consider these tips suggested by clinical psychologist Dr. Sarah R. Brotsky, a specialist in the treatment of eating disorders:
Stage 1: “I don’t have a problem”
At this stage, the person does not believe there is a problem and does not want to seek help.
• Do not be in denial of your loved one’s eating disorder.
• Be aware of the signs and symptoms.
• Avoid rationalizing your loved one’s behaviors.
Stage 2: “I think I have a problem”
At this stage, the person recognizes there is a problem and is open to receiving help.
• Educate yourself about the disorder.
• Be a good listener.
• Do not try to “fix” the problem yourself.
• Seek help for yourself from a local eating disorder support group for family and friends. Stage
3: Getting ready
At this stage, the person is ready to change, but does not know how to go about it.
• Identify what your role is in the recovery process.
• Ask your loved one and your support group how you can be involved in the recovery process and what you can do to be most supportive.
Stage 4: Taking action
At this stage, the person is actively involved in a treatment program for the eating disorder.
• Follow the treatment team’s recommendations.
• Remove triggers from your environment: no diet foods, no scales, no stress.
• Be warm and caring, yet appropriate and determined with boundaries, rules, and guidelines.
• Reinforce positive changes without focusing on weight, shape, or appearance.
Stage 5: Maintenance
At this stage, the person has been applying the behavior change from the treatment program for six months or more:
• Applaud efforts and successes.
• Continue to adjust to new developments.
• Redefine the boundaries as necessary.
• Maintain positive communications.
• Be aware of possible recovery backsliding.
Not everyone will go through these stages in this particular order or perhaps your loved one will not go through any changes at all. This “stages of change” model can be used as a way to think about the process of eating disorder recovery.
