Anorexia

LegacyUser

Folks just looking for some advice. My soon to be stepdaughter (22) has been diagnosed with anorexia. She is getting counselling etc but how do we deal with it?

Her Dad said she looked well the other day and she took his head off for putting pressure on her! She is doing bridesmaid for us later in the year and now Im worried that this is more pressure on her that will make things worse.

I have been looking up how to deal with the issue as in not care mongering etc but has anyone got any other suggestions.

LegacyUser

As someone recovering from an eating disorder (bulimia & anorexia) I know how difficult this is for your step daughter and you all as a family.

When I say recovering I have worked through my ED and thankfully come out the other side of it after alot of hard work. However, ED's like other mental health conditions/ addictions (for example alcoholism) for some reason are always a part of you and therefore I still and always will consider myself to be 'recovering'. There always has to be a concerted effort on my part to keep a positive healthy mental attitude and maintain good physical health.

Counselling is an excellent resource. If possible cognitive behavioural therapy could be of huge benefit. In order to get on the road to recovery one has to learn why they do what they do and what they themselves can do as a person to change their beliefs and habits.

Also, this will depend on if you have health insurance but St Patricks hospital has an absolutely excellent eating disorder programme. There is both a day programme and an inpatient one depending on the individuals needs. If you could access a service like that your stepdaughter would really be in excellent hands with those who understand and don't judge. Also, it's a good opportunity to make friends with those who, again don't judge and are in the very same boat.

As for your fiancé saying she looks well. Unfortunately when you are in the 'ED mindset' every comment be it good/negative can be turned into something it's not. It's a no win situation. Do talk to her though as she may feel being bridesmaid is just that, too much pressure. She may feel more comfortable being involved in the wedding in a more informal way so she doesn't feel the spotlight will be on her.

Best of luck

Keane2baMused

As someone recovering from an eating disorder I know how difficult this is for your step daughter and you all as a family.

When I say recovering I have worked through my ED and thankfully come out the other side of it after alot of hard work. However, ED's like other mental health conditions/ addictions (for example alcoholism) for some reason are always a part of you and therefore I still and always will consider myself to be 'recovering'. There always has to be a concerted effort on my part to keep a positive healthy mental attitude and maintain good physical health.

Counselling is an excellent resource. If possible cognitive behavioural therapy could be of huge benefit. In order to get on the road to recovery one has to learn why they do what they do and what they themselves can do as a person to change their beliefs and habits.

Also, this will depend on if you have health insurance but St Patricks hospital has an absolutely excellent eating disorder programme. There is both a day programme and an inpatient one depending on the individuals needs. If you could access a service like that your stepdaughter would really be in excellent hands with those who understand and don't judge. Also, it's a good opportunity to make friends with those who, again don't judge and are in the very same boat.

As for your fiancé saying she looks well. Unfortunately when you are in the 'ED mindset' every comment be it good/negative can be turned into something it's not. It's a no win situation. Do talk to her though as she may feel being bridesmaid is just that, too much pressure. She might be more comfortable being involved in the wedding in a more informal way so she doesn't feel the spotlight will be on her.

Best of luck

Roselm

There is an organisation called Body Whys which has lots of information about eating disorders. They are very helpful and if you don't find what you need on the site they have a helpline