When someone has avoidant or restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), most of us often confuse it with picky eating or fussiness and choose not to pay much attention to it. However, it is a complex eating disorder that involves a persistent refusal to eat certain foods or a reluctance to eat particular types of food due to fear of choking or vomiting, sensory issues, lack of interest in eating, or other factors. Sadly, it remains a lesser-known eating disorder despite its substantial impact on individuals and families.
ARFID can be managed effectively with a combination of therapeutic and nutritional interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, nutritional counseling, family-based therapy, and more. While these ARFID treatment options can help a person recover from the condition, it is important to create an environment for the person where they feel safe and can recover optimally. Here’s what you can do to support a loved one suffering from ARFID.
Educate Yourself about the Condition
If you have no clue about ARFID before, you must perform research about the condition. To comprehend the nuances of the condition, you need to explore credible sources like medical journals, blogs from medical associations, etc. You may also take part in different workshops and seminars that talk about eating disorders or other issues related to mental health. Such discussions may often shed light on lesser-known aspects of ARFID and other such conditions. You could also join or engage with support groups to get a whole new perspective on the condition. In a support group, people discuss their personal experiences with ARFID.
Handle the Situation Patiently
You need to be more sensitive towards the person with ARFID and refrain from making inappropriate remarks or comments that may worsen the situation for everyone in the room. People suffering from ARFID generally have heightened sensitivities to certain smells, textures, or tastes that may seem normal to others. In such situations, you mustn’t pass judgment or label them as “difficult” or “stubborn.” You need to understand that their aversions to specific food items aren’t just choices but are deeply rooted in their condition.
Create a Safe Environment for the Person
Supporting your loved one’s recovery from ARFID does not have to be a complicated task. Little adjustments to everyday routine can make a big difference. You can start by adapting the meal settings to be less overwhelming for the person. Having meals in a quieter environment or presenting fewer food items on their plate can be quite effective. Encourage them to communicate any concerns or preferences about meals without hesitation. You may also explore diverse meal plans. Your goal should be to find a balance between nutritional needs and the condition.
Seek Professional Help
Expert intervention can often make a significant difference in helping someone with ARFID. In fact, early interventions are proven to be effective in treating eating disorders like ARFID. Connect with therapists or mental health specialists with a deep understanding of eating disorders, particularly ARFID. Regular health check-ups are also important to confirm that they are not fighting nutritional deficiencies. There are several treatment options and therapies that can now help people recover from eating disorders like ARFID. So, staying updated about such emerging therapies and interventions is beneficial.
Display Your Unwavering Support
If you genuinely want your loved one to recover from the eating disorder successfully, you must be by their side whenever they need help. Practice active listening. In other words, you should lend your ears to hear their concerns without burying them with your personal opinions. Regularly check on them; even a simple message or call can make a big difference. If needed, you, too, can seek support to learn how to better deal with the situation. Joining support groups or counseling can help you take the right steps to support your loved one in their journey.
Conclusion
Understanding, empathy, and consistent support are keys to helping a loved one suffering from ARFID. Medical science may have improved significantly in the past few decades and can help treat mental conditions. That said, consistent support from the near and dear ones seems to be more effective in some cases.
