ED Mythbusters
True or False: Anorexia is the most common eating disorder
False-Binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder. In fact, a 2007 study found that BED is 3x more common than anorexia or bulimia
Name the three "points" in a 3-point check.
Thoughts, physical sensations, behaviors/urges
True or false: I should avoid asking my loved one about treatment because this is something they need to deal with on their own
False! Your loved one needs your support in this difficult time. Although it can be hard to figure out the best way to support, working with your loved one and their team is a great place to start.
Name two good foods and two bad foods
Trick question! There are no "good" or "bad" foods. All foods fit.
Name two "good" and two "bad" emotions
Trick question! There are no "good" or "bad" emotions
True or False: My loved one chose to have an eating disorder.
False. Eating disorders are serious mental illness that develop due to a variety of factors. No one chooses to have an Eating Disorder
What is emotional avoidance? What are emotion driven behaviors?
Emotion Driven Behaviors-behaviors that stop an emotional experience before it reaches its peak
My loved one asked me not to make comments about their body, even if they are compliments. Why would they ask me this?
Should I be concerned if my loved one wants to add more exchanges than required to their meal?
Name a function of happiness (ie what does happiness do for us?)
Eating disorders aren't really about food. They're really about dealing with painful/difficult emotions.
True! Eating disorders are emotional disorders that develop as a way to cope with emotions that seem overwhelming and unbearable
What is "anchoring in the moment?" Why could this be helpful for my loved one?
Utilizing a focus point "anchor" to return/remain in the here and now
What does it mean if my loved one says something is "triggering?" How should I approach triggers with my loved one?
My loved one shared with me that they binged last night. They are sharing that they think they can skip breakfast "to make up for it." How should I respond?
True or false: if my loved one shares that they are feeling anxious, I should do whatever they need to help them feel less anxious, as soon as possible
True or False: People of all shapes, sizes, races/ethnicities, gender identities, and sexualities can and do develop eating disorders
True!
What is an ARC? When should my loved one use an ARC?
An emotional awareness skill. An ARC can be used any time your loved one would like to gain a deeper understanding of their emotional experience in the moment
What can I do to provide support to my loved one when they are having a hard time at a meal?
I'm scared that my loved one's meal plan is too much food. What should I do?
Why does treatment focus so much on emotions?
True or false: recovery from an eating disorder is impossible
False. Recovery is possible.
My loved one was having a hard meal, so I asked them to do an ARC and share it with me. Now they say they feel even more upset. Why did this happen?
Sometimes increasing emotional awareness can be uncomfortable in the moment! The eating disorder helps reduce distressing emotions in the short term, and re-learning to tolerate those emotions is challenging at times.
My loved one shared that they are feeling guilty after a hard meal. Our family therapist says that I should validate my loved one's emotions, but I don't want to reinforce them feeling guilty after eating. What can I do to help?
Why is my loved one's dietitian requiring them to eat foods that they are afraid of? How can this be helpful to my loved one's recovery?
What is emotional validation? How can I practice it with my loved one?