Moving in with someone who has an eating disorder can be challenging, and it's natural to feel distressed or overwhelmed by being exposed to their behaviors. Here are some suggestions to help you navigate this situation with care and support:
Educate Yourself: Learn more about eating disorders to understand the challenges your S/O is facing. Familiarize yourself with the different types of eating disorders, their symptoms, and potential triggers. This knowledge can help you approach the situation with empathy and compassion.
Communicate Openly: Encourage open communication with your S/O about their feelings and struggles related to their eating disorder. Create a safe and non-judgmental space where they feel comfortable discussing their thoughts and emotions. Be patient and understanding as they may find it difficult to talk about their experiences.
Seek Professional Help: Encourage your partner to seek professional help from a therapist, counselor, or healthcare provider specializing in eating disorders. Professional support is crucial for their recovery journey.
Set Boundaries: Establish boundaries that support your well-being while still being supportive of your partner. For example, you may need to set boundaries around discussing food or eating behaviors at certain times or in certain settings.
Avoid Enabling Behaviors: Be mindful not to inadvertently enable your S/O's eating disorder behaviors. Avoid making comments that could trigger negative thoughts about food or body image.
Encourage Healthy Coping Mechanisms: Support your partner in finding alternative coping strategies for dealing with stress or emotions, such as exercise, creative hobbies, or mindfulness practices.
Take Care of Yourself: It's essential to prioritize your own well-being too. Caring for someone with an eating disorder can be emotionally draining, so make sure to engage in self-care activities, seek support from friends or a support group, and consider speaking with a therapist if needed.
Be Patient and Non-Judgmental: Recovery from an eating disorder is a challenging process, and setbacks may occur. Offer patience, understanding, and unconditional support during their journey.
Avoid Commenting on Their Appearance or Food Choices: Be mindful not to comment on their appearance, weight, or food choices, as this can inadvertently contribute to their struggles.
Encourage Social Support: Encourage your partner to build a strong support network of friends or others who understand and empathize with their experience.
Remember that being supportive of your S/O does not mean you have to bear the weight of their recovery on your own. Encourage professional help, lean on your own support network, and be understanding of the complexities involved in their recovery process.