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How Grandparents Can Be Part of the Family Support System in Eating Disorder Treatment
Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC, Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope
Seeing a loved one struggle with an eating disorder from a distance can be painful, confusing and overwhelming. Because there is so much unknown around eating disorders themselves and how they are impacting someone you care for, you may feel uncertain about how to support a loved one through the journey they may find themselves in.
This may be especially true for grandparents who have a grandchild that is recovering from an eating disorder. As a grandparent, you may have the desire to be involved in your grandchild’s recovery and treatment but may feel unsure about what your role might be in the process.
Whether you are separated by a great distance or are able to see your grandchild frequently, there are appropriate ways to become integrated in your grandchild’s recovery from an eating disorder. Family support is foundational to an individual’s recovery process, and extending your love and support to your grandchild can be the much-needed encouragement for moving forward. Many individuals may find that they are better able to connect with a grandparent, and this special relationship can continue to be instrumental during their recovery from an eating disorder.
Support and Expressing Concern
Perhaps the best place to start is by communicating your desire to be involved with your grandchild, if appropriate. Simply expressing care, love and support may help your grandchild to understand that they are not alone and to remind them that you will continually be there for them throughout this process and journey.
If you have specific questions about the treatment they are undergoing or are wanting to learn more about what they may be experiencing, inquire about the possibility of connecting with their treatment professionals, being involved with family therapy sessions, or even seeking out a therapeutic session for yourselves during this process.
Eating disorders affect not only the individual but their loved ones as well. Grandparents can be an integral part of the recovery and healing process for a person healing from an eating disorder, and with further education, can better understand how to offer support along the way.
If you are a grandparent seeking to become better informed about eating disorders and the treatment process for recovery, consider accessing the many resources available on Eating Disorder Hope. Other organizations that offer helpful information include the National Eating Disorder Association and the Academy for Eating Disorders.
Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!
Does your family have close ties with one another? In what ways have you been able to support each other through difficult times?
About the Author: Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves as the Special Projects Coordinator for Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope, where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.
As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH/AH and nutrition private practice.
The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.
We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on June 27, 2016
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com
The EatingDisorderHope.com editorial team comprises experienced writers, editors, and medical reviewers specializing in eating disorders, treatment, and mental and behavioral health.
