Strife in Teenagers: Hesitate not about parental guilt - Struggles with Eating Disorders Among Teens - Parents Need Not Bear the Blame
Expert Urges Reducing Mothers' Guilt in Anorexia Nervosa Management
By Verena Carl
In an interview, Professor Beate Herpertz-Dahlmann, a leading figure in child and adolescent psychiatry, including the study and treatment of eating disorders like anorexia nervosa, discussed the need to alleviate mothers' guilt in managing the condition.
During the conversation, Professor Herpertz-Dahlmann emphasized the importance of maintaining a healthy weight, noting that many women, including herself, strive to do so.
When asked about personal weight management, she responded with a laugh, acknowledging her personal health efforts.
Guilt can often accompany parents dealing with anorexia nervosa, as they may feel responsible for their child's condition. However, it's crucial to remember that anorexia nervosa is a complex mental health issue, not a failure of parenting.
Educating oneself and others about anorexia nervosa can help reduce this guilt. By understanding the condition better, families and friends can provide more supportive environments for those affected.
When managing anorexia nervosa, it's essential to seek professional help from a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and dietitians. These professionals can offer the necessary guidance and support to effectively address the disorder.
Joining support groups can also be beneficial, providing a sense of community and understanding for those navigating similar experiences. Self-care practices, such as meditation, exercise, or hobbies that bring joy and relaxation, can help manage stress and emotional well-being.
Rather than dwelling on past choices or perceived failures, it's crucial to focus on the present and the positive changes that can be made toward recovery. Collaborative family-based therapy (FBT) can also be beneficial, involving the whole family in the therapy process and helping families work together to support the individual's recovery.
For more specific advice tailored to individual situations, consulting with a healthcare professional or a therapist specializing in eating disorders is advisable.
The following are some of the main problems: science can help reduce mothers' guilt in managing anorexia nervosa by educating them about the condition, supporting health-and-wellness through self-care practices, and connecting them with multidisciplinary health professionals. Mental health, including understanding the complexities of anorexia nervosa and the benefits of collaborative family-based therapy, is also crucial in this process.
