Caring for Someone with an Eating Disorder: Understanding HAES® and weight neutrality while supporting your loved one through recovery.
By Edie Stark
* Blog Take Away: The HAES® framework is about promoting health and well-being without focusing on weight or size. It emphasizes body acceptance, intuitive eating, and finding joy in movement. This philosophy is particularly important when supporting someone with an eating disorder. Let’s explore how caregivers can apply the HAES® principles in their journey.*
Understanding the HAES® Approach
The HAES® approach challenges the conventional weight-centric view of health. It is built on five key principles:
Weight Inclusivity: Accept and respect the inherent diversity of body shapes and sizes.
Health Enhancement: Support health policies that improve and equalize access to information and services, and personal practices that improve human well-being.
Respectful Care: Acknowledge our biases and work to end weight discrimination, weight stigma, and weight bias.
Eating for Well-being: Promote flexible, individualized eating based on hunger, satiety, nutritional needs, and pleasure, rather than any externally regulated eating plan focused on weight control.
Life-Enhancing Movement: Encourage physical activities that allow people of all sizes, abilities, and interests to engage in enjoyable movement, to the degree that they choose.
The Emotional Landscape of Caregiving
Being a caregiver for someone with an eating disorder is emotionally complex. You might feel a mix of fear, sadness, and helplessness. Recognizing these emotions and seeking support for yourself is vital. Support groups for other caregivers, personal therapy and/or family therapy, or talking with trusted friends can help you process your feelings and stay resilient.
Creating a Supportive Environment
Incorporating the HAES® principles into your caregiving can create a supportive environment conducive to recovery:
Educate Yourself About HAES®: Understanding the HAES® philosophy will help you provide informed support. Learn about the principles and how they can positively impact your loved one’s recovery. There are many Podcasts, Books, and webinars to learn more!
Encourage Professional Support: Encourage your loved one to seek professional help from therapists and dietitians who practice from a HAES® perspective. This ensures that the treatment aligns with body acceptance and non-diet approaches.
Promote Open, Non-Judgmental Communication: Create a safe space for your loved one to express their feelings without fear of judgment. Practice active listening and validate their experiences.
Challenge Weight Stigma: Be mindful of your language and attitudes about body size. Avoid making comments about weight, dieting, or body comparisons. Challenge societal norms and stigmas around weight and health.
Practical Support Strategies
Implementing practical strategies based on HAES® principles can make a significant difference:
Foster a Positive Relationship with Food: Help your loved one see food as nourishment and pleasure rather than a source of anxiety. Prepare and share meals together, emphasizing the joy of eating rather than calorie content.
Encourage Joyful Movement: Support your loved one in finding physical activities they enjoy. This might include dancing, walking, yoga, or any other movement that brings them pleasure. Avoid framing exercise as a means to control weight.
Model Body Acceptance: Show respect and acceptance for all body types, including your own. This can help your loved one develop a more positive body image and reduce self-criticism.
Self-Care for Caregivers
Your well-being is crucial in this journey. Here’s how to care for yourself while supporting your loved one:
Prioritize Your Health: Ensure you are eating enough, getting impactful rest, and engaging in enjoyable physical activities. Your physical and mental wellbeing supports your ability to care for others.
Seek Emotional Support: Connect with friends, family, or a therapist to talk about your experiences. Emotional support helps you manage stress and maintain resilience.
Take Time for Yourself: Schedule regular breaks from caregiving duties to recharge. Engage in activities that you find relaxing and fulfilling.
Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, can help you stay present and manage stress effectively
Understanding Recovery Through a HAES® Lens
Recovery from an eating disorder is a long-term process that involves both physical and emotional healing. Celebrate small victories and be patient with setbacks.
Encourage your loved one to set realistic, non-weight-focused goals and recognize their progress, no matter how small. Emphasize that health and well-being come in all shapes and sizes.
Fostering Resilience and Self-Compassion
Resilience is key in the recovery journey. Encourage your loved one to practice self-compassion. Celebrate their strengths and remind them of their worth and value beyond their appearance. Support them in engaging in activities that boost their confidence and encourage them to connect to their inner values system.
Final notes…
Being a caregiver for someone with an eating disorder is a challenging but profoundly impactful role. By embracing the HAES® principles, you can provide compassionate, effective support that promotes recovery and well-being. Remember to take care of yourself, seek support, and approach each day with patience and kindness. Recovery is possible, and with your help, your loved one can navigate this path toward healing and reclaiming their life.
Resources
For additional support and information, consider reaching out to the following organizations:
Association for Size Diversity and Health (ASDAH): Promotes the HAES® principles and provides resources for individuals and families.
National Alliance for Eating Disorders : Provides FREE support groups for caregivers of those with Eating Disorders
By educating yourself, providing practical support, and prioritizing self-care, you can be a source of strength and hope for your loved one as they work toward recovery within the HAES® framework.
Services:
Stark Therapy Group offers therapy for all types of eating disorders, including Anorexia, Binge Eating Disorder and Bulimia. We offer a 3-tiered family based support for teens in eating disorder recovery. We treat anxiety, depression and general mental health conditions. We offer 3-tiered family based support for teens with general mental health issues. We also offer couples therapy. We would love to help you on your mental health journey. Reach out today for a free consultation!