Family & Friends Stages Of An Eating Disorder Understanding The Stages
In the early stages, when the person with the eating disorder has no real intention to change, it helps to normalize what the support people are going through, and gives an understanding of why the person they are caring for is resistant to change.
With this knowledge, they can work on strategies that will help support themselves as a carer, until a time when the person with the eating disorder is more willing to accept help.
In the later stages, it is helpful for the carer to understand the importance of a gradual journey, the value of relapse and how to support a person through the process. It helps them remain constant and patient throughout the recovery journey.
Having idea of the road ahead is a form of guidance. Although the experience is unique to every individual, it helps to be able to see that you are heading in the right direction.
It is also useful during a relapse or a tough time, to be able to look at where you have come from, so although the moment may appear hopeless, you can see that you have in fact, come a significant distance since the disorder presented itself.
The stages of change are a helpful tool for a carer to use to remind the person they are caring for how far they have come, especially in the action phase where relapse is common and challenges can sometimes appear to be overwhelming.
Last revision date: Monday, 06 February 2012 12:45
