Although boundaries may not be top of mind in the midst of an eating disorder crisis and the race to find the right treatment program, they are imperative for keeping your loved one — and you — safe during such a trying time. Families often devote all of their energy and time to caring for their loved one with an eating disorder. However, as a caregiver, you simply cannot do your best work if you’re not first caring for yourself, which includes setting loving and healthy boundaries. For today’s blog post, let’s look at how to create and follow through with these guidelines.
Grab a copy of Talking to Eating Disorders: Simple Ways to Support Someone with Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating Disorder, or Body Image Issues by Jeanne Albronda Heaton, PhD and Claudia J. Strauss for additional insights into serving as a caregiver.
Four Questions to Consider As You Set Boundaries
Let’s start by looking at three areas to practice that will improve your boundary-setting skills:
Handling my loved one’s distress
Eliminating my own distress
Staying firm with the boundaries you set
And now, here are four questions to consider as you learn to set boundaries.
First, choose just one of the areas above to practice. What beliefs do you need to shift in order to fully engage? Family caregivers often don’t recognize the need to change their beliefs or learn a new area.
Thinking again of your area of focus, what will give you the confidence to do the work and follow through with your efforts?
How will you face your fears?
Where will you seek support?
Digging deep and finding these answers within yourself will help you believe that you are well-suited for this role as caregiver. You’ll also be more engaged with the learning process, not only grasping new skills better but also unlearning current habits with greater ease. Ultimately, setting boundaries will only serve to enrich your caregiving journey.
Read the book Enrich Your Caregiving Journey by Margery Pabst and Rita Goldhammer for more emotional and practical help for caregivers.
If you need help as you navigate caring for a loved one with an eating disorder, the Recovery Roadmap Series can serve as your guidebook! Reach out with any questions.
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