Eating disorders affect the family unit and community of the individual in recovery. Food is a major component of socialization and, consequently, social interaction can be a significant stressor for individuals in eating disorder recovery. Non-food related activities can help loved ones in recovery feel supported and connected with those in their support system.
by: Amanda Nussbaum
Eating disorders can affect one’s relationship with food, exercise, and body, but they can also significantly impact their connections with others. Recovery is a collaborative effort that involves the concerted effort of the client, the support of a therapist, dietitian, other specialized eating disorder treatment professionals, and a strong support system outside of treatment providers. Although a support person can be anyone who is trusted, a good listener, compassionate, and empathetic, family members, friends, teachers, or peers often play an important role in a loved one’s recovery journey. According to the Mental Health Foundation, support is an essential component in overcoming a mental health disorder. People want to be understood and welcomed instead of being judged and excluded.
Food is a major component of socialization and often brings people together. When family, friends, or coworkers meet, they often go to restaurants, coffee shops, or other activities that include eating. However, social gatherings, especially those involving food, can be overwhelming for those in eating disorder recovery. They may isolate and withdraw from social activities. They may also feel they are being watched while they eat, which can result in feelings of discomfort when eating in public.
To help a loved one in recovery, support persons can suggest non-food related activities to do together. This can help loved ones feel like they belong, are appreciated, and included. Below are some activities that can be done alone or with a group that do not involve food. These activities can be done while social distancing and should not make those in recovery anxious or jeopardize their recovery:
- Crafting Activities: Crafting can be therapeutic and relaxing for those in recovery. Activities, such as coloring, diamond art, or painting can help foster feelings of accomplishment or relaxation and distract from eating disorder thoughts. Other hands-on activities including learning to crochet, making jewelry, or creating a recovery vision board with recovery affirmations or quotes.
- Mind and Intellectual Activities: Some enjoyable ways to spend time at home with others include playing cards, board games, or doing a puzzle. If family members enjoy watching movies together, purchasing a scratch-off Movie Bucket List Poster’ to keep track of seen movies can be a fun activity. Starting a book club with friends and family is another way to connect with loved ones and help with conversation topics.
- Outdoor Activities: While in eating disorder recovery, activities that involve exercise should be discussed and cleared by a medical professional. If approved, enjoyable movement can be beneficial in recovery. Outdoor activities may include going for a walk, bike riding, or hiking. Other forms of exercise may include doing yoga or meditation, gardening, or dancing.
- Self-Care Activities: Although self-care may consist of sleeping or showering, there are fun and relaxing self-care activities to do with others like hosting a spa night with a facemask or getting a manicure, pedicure, or facial. Many of these can be done at home or at a salon. Having these options may make someone in recovery more comfortable.
- Experiential Activities: It may be more difficult now to find places to go due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but experiential activities are great ways to socialize without eating. Going to a museum, aquarium, or zoo can be fun day trips. Other ideas may include volunteering or going on a road trip together.
Having a support system around when recovering from an eating disorder can make loved ones feel less isolated. When spending time with a loved one in recovery, it is important to engage in normal conversations, and to avoid discussing potentially triggering topics such as appearance, calorie counting, dieting, or exercise. Although many people believe socializing always involves food, there are ways to connect and have fun with others without eating that will make those overcoming an eating disorder feel comforted.
At BALANCE eating disorder treatment center, we offer a Supporting a Loved One Group to provide support and education for family members and support persons of our clients to help them foster a deeper understanding of eating disorders and the recovery process. The group provides an opportunity for parents, spouses, partners, and friends to connect with the loved ones of those struggling with eating disorders, and receive their own support by discussing the challenges and successes encountered in the process of their loved one’s recovery.
Our Admissions Team would be glad to answer any questions you may have regarding our Supporting a Loved One group. Schedule a call with our team below.
Looking for eating disorder treatment programs or services in the New York City area? Learn more about our options at BALANCE eating disorder treatment center™ here or contact us here.
This post was written by BALANCE Blog Intern, Amanda Nussbaum.
Amanda is a recent graduate of Ramapo College, where she majored in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. She enjoys being creative, writing, and editing videos, and is passionate about health, wellness, and lifestyle. Throughout college, Amanda volunteered with the Girls on the Run organization, which helps young girls develop a positive self-esteem. She also mentored a young girl through Ramapo College’s chapter of Big Brother, Big Sister. Amanda’s involvement in these organizations helped her realize that she wants to work for a company that has an impact on others, while still being creative with marketing. In the future, Amanda hopes to work in the marketing or communications department of an organization that focuses on teenagers and young adults, and their health and self-confidence. She enjoys contributing to the BALANCE blog!
