My Daughter Has an Eating Disorder: What do I Do?

Every parent wants to see their child live a healthy, happy life, and they work hard to help their kids reach their full potential. When a parent has an adult daughter with an eating disorder, they want to find the most effective, modern care available. Trellis Recovery Centers provides an individually tailored approach that fits the unique needs of each woman we treat. Our residential program takes place in a cozy environment designed to help them overcome their eating disorder and enjoy better physical and mental health.

Does My Daughter Have an Eating Disorder?

It can be hard to differentiate between the normal changes in a woman and those that indicate a daughter with an eating disorder. It’s common for women to reach adulthood and begin to think more about their physical appearance and worry about if they fit in. Unfortunately, this can spiral out of control into an eating disorder. 

If you wonder if your daughter may be showing signs of having an eating disorder, take the following quiz.

Does My Daughter Have An Eating Disorder Quiz:

Does your daughter skip meals?

1. Yes
2. Sometimes
3. Not that I know about
4. Never

Has your daughter’s weight changed significantly recently?

1. Yes
2. I think so
3. No
4. I’m not sure

Does your daughter eat alone instead of with her family or friends?

1. Yes, often
2. Sometimes
3. Not often
4. Never

Does your daughter show signs of distress during mealtimes?

1. Yes, often
2. Sometimes
3. No
4. Not that I know about

Has your daughter shown a pronounced interest in physical activities such as exercise recently?

1. Yes
2. Maybe
3. She has always been active
4. Not that I know about

Does your daughter isolate herself and avoid social situations?

1. Yes
2. Sometimes
3. No
4. I’m not sure

Has your daughter experienced intense mood swings lately?

1. Yes
2. Sometimes
3. No
4. Not that I’ve seen

Does your daughter show an interest in cooking food but does not eat much?

1. Yes
2. Sometimes
3. I’m not sure
4. No

Does your daughter suffer from low self-esteem and is critical of herself?

1. Yes
2. Sometimes
3. Rarely
4. No

Has your daughter been criticized for her physical looks, including weight or size?

1. Yes
2. Sometimes
3. No
4. Not that I know about

Assessing this Eating Disorder Quiz

If you answered “Yes” to two or more questions, your daughter may be showing signs of having an eating disorder. You can use this quiz as a way to start a conversation with her or to convince her to speak with her doctor. In addition, you can consult with an eating disorder treatment facility and go over your answers to the quiz. The sooner a person with an eating disorder gets into treatment, the more likely they are to embrace recovery and stay in it.

What to Do if Your Daughter Has an Eating Disorder

If your daughter has an eating disorder, it’s imperative that you seek help right away. Eating disorders are complex mental health disorders that do not go away on their own. They are also not just diets gone wrong or a way of rebelling. Parents can talk to their daughters and explain that they have a disease that needs to be addressed. They can explain that no one has to live a life ruled by obsessing over a number on a scale or counting calories.

If your daughter needs help, you can begin by talking to her doctor or a therapist. Because eating disorders are complicated and often dangerous, it’s important to find intensive treatment to help your daughter begin to heal physically and mentally. While she might initially express concern about talking to someone about her private issues, remind her that all treatment is provided in a confidential setting. Every person on her treatment team will respect her individuality and partner with her to help her become whole again.

What is Eating Disorder Treatment Like?

Eating disorder treatment centers offer focused, transdiagnostic approaches that help each person discover the person who has become hidden by their eating disorder. The goal of treatment is not just to heal the person physically, such as through any necessary weight restoration. The staff also provides compassionate, family-focused care that helps change a woman’s mindset and relationship with her body, food, and her place in the world. 

Eating disorder treatment includes attending several kinds of therapy modalities. The types of therapy used include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Group Therapy
• Family Therapy
• Somatic Therapy
• Experiential Therapy
• Exposure and Response Prevention
• Motivational Interviewing
• Nutritional Counseling

Contact Our Eating Disorder Treatment Center in Los Angeles, California

Trellis Recovery Centers understands how to treat women with eating disorders. Our multi-disciplinary approach to healing from anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and other illnesses helps women reshape their relationships with food and body image. We provide an extensive staff of eating disorder-trained professionals with experience treating a diverse population of people who need help.

If you would like to talk to us about finding family-focused professional help for your daughter, visit our contact page now. Our staff can answer any questions you have and get your daughter started on the path to healing.