Negotiating Healthy Family Boundaries and Online Support

Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC for Eating Disorder Hope

Complexities of Mental Illnesses

Any family that has journeyed through the process of treatment for an eating disorder can likely testify to the many highs and lows experienced along the way. The complexities of these mental illnesses evoke a multitude of emotions for the eating disorder sufferer and the involved family members.

The recovery journey from an eating disorder is often extremely involved and usually occurs over a longer period of time. While rehabilitation and recovery looks different among every individual, it typically happens in stages, with recovery progressing as a person heals in every aspect of their lives.

The Family Journey

Because of the many aspects and details that are involved with eating disorder recovery, family members may face their own struggles as they journey along with their loved one. Committing to the journey of eating disorder recovery involves a lifelong dedication to the process.

This is also true for family members who are in a relationship with an eating disorder sufferer. There may be a need to adjust patterns or behaviors with the goal of better supporting a loved one in their recovery.

Becoming Burnt-Out

A common occurrence for families going through the recovery process is burn-out. Simply put, burn-out is complete physical, mental, and/or emotional exhaustion through overwork or stress.

Because eating disorders are complex mental illnesses, family members can easily feel overrun as they learn to support their loved one in recovery. Relapses and setbacks are a part of the recovery process, and these aspects can further contribute to burnout or discouragement.

If you have a family member in recovery from an eating disorder, how can you remain supportive of them while upholding your own health and wellness? This can be established by setting appropriate boundaries between you and your loved one in recovery.

This may involve several things, such as understanding your own limitations and abilities, knowing when to refer, and taking the initiative to uphold self-care.

Setting Healthy Boundaries

Understanding your own limitations is a crucial and necessary part of establishing healthy boundaries between you and your recovering family member. What aspects of the eating disorder journey do you feel most able to support your loved one? Do your strengths lie in listening, offering meal support, or assisting through eating disorder triggers?

Setting Expectations

Adjust your expectations for yourself and your family and know that you cannot do everything for your loved one. Eating disorder recovery requires dedication and commitment with support from loved ones along the way.

A professional treatment team can best guide your family member along their journey. If you ever encounter something that you feel is beyond your ability or control, do not be afraid to confide with professionals.

Self-Care

Self care if also an essential component of maintaining healthy boundaries with your loved one. You should not be expected to go through this journey without your own support or the time you need to reflect and process what you are experiencing.

Connecting with other family members who are going through a similar journey can help give you perspective and encouragement.

Support Groups

Several online groups and forums exist for the sole purpose of offering support for friends and family of eating disorder sufferers. Above all else, it is important to be reminded that you are not alone in this journey.

After all, eating disorders are isolating and destructive. You will be better able to support your family member when you take the time to rest, rejuvenate yourself, and re-focus on your goals and hopes.

The Journey to Recovery

The journey towards recovery from an eating disorder is not an easy one, but the work, effort, and tears will contribute to a life of freedom, peace, hope, and joy.

By establishing healthy boundaries, focusing on the positive, and maintaining self-care, you can sustain yourself to endure this weathering battle. Your support is invaluable for your loved one and will help them carry on through the many ups and downs of the recovery process.

If you are a family member of an eating disorder sufferer who is feeling strained or burned out through this process, be sure to reach out for professional help and assistance.

Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!

How can online support be helpful for a family that is journeying through eating disorder recovery?

Last Updated & Reviewed by: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC, on December, 11 2014. Published on AddictionHope.com