There are different factors that play a role in how children react when they are diagnosed with an eating disorder. Sometimes, it may be challenging getting them to seek or allow treatment. Eating disorders are mental illnesses with severe consequences. Your child may not realize the risk that an eating disorder poses to their health. As caregivers, it is our duty to see they are supported to recovery.
Refusing Eating Disorder Treatment
Taking steps to recovery is not an easy journey. It is important to understand that your child may be experiencing different emotions, such as fear and shame. These are tough emotions to work through and can be barriers to seeking treatment or reaching out for support. Keep reading for some tips on how you can encourage your child to engage in treatment.
Have a Discussion
Create a safe space to talk to your child about their diagnosis. Create a space of vulnerability between you and your child. Let them know that you are here to listen and that it is okay for them to express their feelings and concerns. The intent is not to scare your child, but to make them aware of how dangerous eating disorders can be. You can also educate them about the well brain vs. the eating disorder brain.
Stay Focused on the Goal
If your child is not willing to commit to treatment, it may be frustrating and challenging for you as a carer. Understand that resistance is normal, and stay focused on the goal, which is the well-being of your child.
There are five stages of change that occur in the recovery process: pre-Contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. Your child may be at one of these stages and will move through them during recovery.
Seek Professional Help or a Second Opinion
You can seek support from an eating disorder care specialist or from other parents who have had to navigate a similar situation. They will be able to validate your concerns about your child refusing treatment. Recovery from an eating disorder can be a long process that requires not only a qualified team of professionals, but also the love and support of family and friends.
The treatment approach most strongly supported by research evidence is Family-Based Therapy (FBT), in which parents take responsibility for managing the eating disorder symptoms. In FBT, parents are empowered to help manage their child’s eating disorder symptoms and restore their child’s health. FBT includes the child and parents (and siblings or other important family members) together in some sessions. Research has found FBT to be the best therapy for a child or adolescent who has been ill for less than three years.
How to Get Help for Your Child
Change Creates Change Eating Disorder Care is here for you if you suspect your child is living with an eating disorder. We understand how challenging and complex this issue can be. If you are interested in learning more about how we can support you, click below to book a free, 15-minute consultation call with us.
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