Learn How to Provide Support
Your daughter needs your love and support to overcome the
eating disorder, but it is also important to address your own
needs as a parent. Watching someone you love battle this lifethreatening disorder can be a very emotionally challenging
experience; no one should walk this road alone. Utilize the
support of a caring pastor, Christian counselor, or trusted
friends to help you during this difficult time. It is important
for you and your daughter that you have a safe place where you
can vent, express, and have a chance to work through your own
feelings. Allow others to help you as you help the one you love.
Feelings are a normal part of being human. It is important to
acknowledge your feelings and handle them in the best ways
possible.
The tumultuous emotions you feel toward your daughter,
the eating disorder, and the effects of the disorder on your
family are not uncommon. But with the gamut of emotions
you experience, you may become distracted from the truth of
God's Word. Encourage yourself with the truth that emotions
are fleeting, but the Word of God stands forever (Isaiah 40:8).
The Word of God will empower you to stand in the face of
adversity and overcome it.
Anger is a common reaction for parents of girls battling an
eating disorder. Youmay feelanger at the disorder, your daughter,
yourself, or even at failed treatment attempts, counselors, and
institutions. Ephesians 4:26 says, "Be angry and yet do not sin;
do not let the sun go down on your anger" (NASB). Your feeling
of anger is not sinful. It is how you proceed in that anger that
is crucial.
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