Click on the links below to find resources that relate to support networks: how to reach out for help, tips on how to talk to loved ones about your own ED, and tips for loved ones on how to talk their friends and family if they are concerned about their wellbeing.
Looking Glass Resources
Join our Peer Support Programs! : We offer 3 peer support programs - Hand in Hand, Online Peer Support, and Personal Recovery Space that are available to all genders, are offered at no cost, with no limit to frequency of usage, and support individuals struggling with any type of eating disorder or disordered eating. No formal diagnosis is required.
Contact Us to learn about other programs, treatment options, and support groups in your area.
Four Reasons Why Stepping Into A Counselling Office Can Be Transformative & Life-Changing:"Eating disorders, and other mental illnesses, can be very challenging which means that putting our mental health first sometimes requires the help of caring professionals. I am here to tell you that reaching out for help makes you a stronger person. Counselling may not be the best fit for you, but it is worth trying and finding out for yourself. You may end up forming your own reasons for how counselling helps you!"
Fight On: Battling Shame Through Sharing:"Connect with others. I did and it saved my life. My friend and I are in recovery together. We provide support and strength for each other. She still struggles. So do I. We are by no means perfect. We are human. But we are taking what is very hard and scary and using it to make things better."
External Resources
Social Support: The Cradle for Growth and Recovery with Eating Disorders: This article talks about the importance of social support in general, different types of support, the benefits of both receiving support and offering support to others, and advice on how to give as well as receive support. This article also outlines the importance of offering support to ourselves, and advice on how to do that.
How Do I Tell My Parents I Have an Eating Disorder?: This blog post offers advice on how to talk to your parents if you have an eating disorder. The advice includes arranging a time and place to talk, sharing your concerns and needs, and being open to their response.
Resources for Caregivers and Families
How to Help Someone With An Eating Disorder: This article from our friends at NEDA provides information on how to support someone with an eating disorder, including advice on what to say, how to communicate with your loved one, how to encourage them to get professional help, and a link to download the parent toolkit. There is also a video explaining this information.
Family Support Guidelines When Your Loved One Has an Eating Disorder: This article offers advice on what to do if your loved one has an ED, including encouraging them to go to therapy, avoiding discussions/arguments over food and weight, understanding certain behaviors, taking care of yourself, avoiding power struggles, recognizing your loved one for qualities other than their appearance, etc.
Helping Someone with an Eating Disorder: This blog post provides information on eating disorders, myths about eating disorders, warning signs to watch for, advice on how to talk to someone if they are struggling (and what not to do), treatments for eating disorders, dealing with eating disorders in the home, and how to support a loved ones recovery.
What to Say to Someone With an Eating Disorder: This blog post talks about the important things to know and what to say (and not to say!) to someone with an eating disorder.
14 Things Your Loved One With an Eating Disorder Wants You to Know (But Is Afraid to Tell You): This Recovery Warriors blog talks about what someone with an eating disorder might want their loved ones to know, including the fact that ED’s are about more than food and weight, that they are not judging your body, gaining weight doesn’t mean they are better, don’t comment on what they eat, don’t talk about diets or body shape, etc.
Advice By Kaela: How to Support Someone Who is Struggling : Learn how to best to support someone who is struggling, including listening to the person, not focusing on their eating, helping them to feel more in control, seeking your own help, and more.
