Eating Disorders: Support for Families in Grand Rapids, Michigan

When you’re worried that a loved one in Grand Rapids may be struggling with an eating disorder, it can be hard to know what to say, when to say it, or even whether your concerns are valid. Being prepared, informed, and supported can make these conversations safer and more effective—for both you and your family member.

Eating disorders are serious medical and mental health conditions, but early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve recovery outcomes. Families in the Grand Rapids area play a crucial role in noticing warning signs and helping loved ones get connected to care.

You Are Not Alone in Grand Rapids

Families in Grand Rapids and across West Michigan are not alone in facing eating disorders. Local and statewide resources can help you:

  • Understand eating disorders and their symptoms
  • Learn how to talk with your loved one
  • Find professional treatment and support services

Local resources that may help include:

  • Primary care and behavioral health providers at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health
  • Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health for mental health and community resource referrals
  • Local therapists, dietitians, and eating disorder specialists offering in-person and telehealth services across West Michigan

Many organizations also offer support for family members and caregivers, not just for the person with the eating disorder.

Recognizing Eating Disorder Signs in a Loved One

It’s often difficult to tell if someone has an eating disorder. Symptoms can be subtle and may be hidden, and people of all body shapes and sizes can be affected. You cannot tell if someone has an eating disorder based on appearance alone.

Common Emotional and Psychological Signs

  • Body dissatisfaction or frequent negative comments about their body
  • Low self-esteem or feeling “not good enough”
  • Preoccupation with weight, dieting, exercise, or body image
  • Fear of gaining weight
  • Sensitivity to comments about food, weight, or appearance
  • Feelings of shame, guilt, or disgust, especially after eating
  • Anxiety or distress around mealtimes
  • Depression, anxiety, or thoughts of self-harm or suicide

Behavioral Signs

Behavioral symptoms vary by eating disorder (such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and other specified feeding or eating disorders), but may include:

  • Dieting or strict food rules (cutting out entire food groups, extreme calorie counting)
  • Secretive eating or hiding food
  • Saying they have eaten when they likely have not
  • Evidence of binge eating (e.g., large amounts of food disappearing, food wrappers hidden)
  • Spending a lot of money on food
  • Hoarding or storing food in unusual places
  • Frequent trips to the bathroom during or right after meals
  • Vomiting, chewing and spitting out food
  • Excessive or compulsive exercise (e.g., working out even when sick, injured, or exhausted)
  • Use of laxatives, enemas, diuretics, or appetite suppressants
  • Social withdrawal or loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed
  • Substance use or self-harming behaviors

Physical Signs

Physical symptoms can be influenced by Michigan’s climate—cold winters in Grand Rapids can make some symptoms more noticeable:

  • Weight loss, weight gain, or frequent fluctuations in weight
  • Feeling cold most of the time (even indoors or in warmer weather)
  • Fatigue, low energy, or frequent fainting spells
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or unexplained weakness
  • Dry skin, brittle hair, or hair loss
  • Menstrual changes or loss of periods
  • Signs of vomiting:
    • Swelling around the cheeks or jaw
    • Bad breath
    • Damaged or sensitive teeth
    • Sores or cuts on the hands or knuckles

Remember: not everyone will show all of these signs. If you notice a combination of emotional, behavioral, and physical changes, it’s worth paying attention and seeking guidance.

Approaching a Family Member About an Eating Disorder

It’s important to research and prepare before you speak with your loved one. How you approach the conversation can influence whether they feel safe enough to open up and accept help.

Expect Mixed or Negative Reactions

When you first bring up your concerns, your loved one may:

  • Deny there is a problem
  • Feel embarrassed, angry, or defensive
  • Shut down or avoid the conversation
  • Feel threatened that you’ve noticed their behaviors

This doesn’t mean you’re wrong. Many people with eating disorders:

  • Don’t fully recognize that their behavior is disordered
  • Feel ashamed or afraid of being “found out”
  • Are scared of changing their behaviors, even if they are harmful

It may take several conversations before your concerns are heard or accepted.

Choose the Right Time and Place

  • Pick a calm, private, and safe setting—not in public and not during a meal.
  • Avoid raising the topic when either of you is very stressed, angry, or rushed.
  • Plan what you want to say in advance; you may find it helpful to write down key points.

How to Talk to Your Loved One: What to Say (and What to Avoid)

Lead With Care and Concern

Make it clear that you are bringing this up because you care about them:

  • Focus on your feelings and observations, not on labels or accusations.
  • Use “I” statements instead of “You” statements.

Examples of more helpful “I” statements:

  • “I’m worried about you because I care about you.”
  • “I’ve noticed you seem really sad and withdrawn lately, and I’m concerned.”
  • “I’m concerned about how stressed you seem around food and your body.”

Listen Without Judgment

  • Give them time to respond, even if there are long pauses.
  • Let them share their feelings without interrupting or arguing.
  • Validate their emotions: “I can see this is really hard to talk about.”
  • Focus on their overall wellbeing—not just their weight or eating.

Avoid Unhelpful or Harmful Comments

Try not to:

  • Comment on their weight, shape, or physical appearance (“You look too thin” or “You look fine”).
  • Criticize your own body, weight, diet, or exercise in front of them.
  • Compare them to others or list all the people who are “worried about them.”
  • Demand immediate change (“You need to stop this right now”).
  • Threaten, shame, or blame them.
  • Trick or force them to eat.

Avoid “You” statements that sound accusing, such as:

  • “You need help.”
  • “You aren’t eating enough.”
  • “You have an eating disorder.”

These can feel blaming and may shut down the conversation.

Being Persistent Without Nagging

Ignoring the problem will not make it go away. At the same time, constant pressure or criticism can increase shame and secrecy.

You can be persistent by:

  • Gently revisiting the topic at different times if they shut down initially
  • Repeating that your concern comes from care, not judgment
  • Offering to help them find support when they feel ready

Encouraging Professional Help in Grand Rapids

Once your loved one is willing to consider help, the next step is to connect them with a healthcare professional who understands eating disorders.

Start With a Primary Care Provider (PCP)

In Grand Rapids, you can start with:

  • A family doctor or primary care provider at:
    • Spectrum Health
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health
    • Mercy Health
  • A community health clinic or federally qualified health center

A doctor can:

  • Do a full physical exam
  • Order blood tests and other investigations
  • Ask about emotional health, medical history, and lifestyle
  • Rule out other medical or mental health conditions that may mimic or contribute to symptoms

Other Professionals Who Can Help

While they cannot do a full medical exam, other professionals can recognize and treat eating disorders, often as part of a team:

  • Psychologists / Therapists (for counseling and therapy)
  • Licensed Clinical Social Workers
  • Psychiatrists (especially if medication is needed for co-occurring depression or anxiety)
  • Registered Dietitians with experience in eating disorders

Many providers in Grand Rapids and West Michigan now offer telehealth, which can be especially helpful during winter storms or for those with transportation barriers.

The Important Role of Families and Caregivers

Family members often notice changes that a doctor may not see in a short visit. You can:

  • Share observations about mood, behaviors, and routines (with your loved one’s consent when possible)
  • Mention any history of anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, or trauma
  • Help track symptoms or patterns over time

Eating disorders commonly occur alongside:

  • Anxiety disorders
  • Depression
  • Obsessive-compulsive behaviors
  • Substance use
  • Self-harm or suicidal thoughts

Sharing this information with the care team can support a more accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Mental Health First Aid: Responding to a Crisis

Sometimes, an eating disorder can become a medical or mental health emergency. Mental Health First Aid uses the ALGEE action plan:

  • A – Approach, assess, and assist with any crisis
  • L – Listen non-judgmentally
  • G – Give support and information
  • E – Encourage appropriate professional help
  • E – Encourage other supports

Signs of a Medical Emergency

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department (e.g., Spectrum Health or Trinity Health Grand Rapids) if you notice:

  • Fainting, collapsing, or severe dizziness
  • Vomiting several times a day
  • Chest pain or difficulty breathing
  • Disorientation or confusion
  • Irregular heartbeat or very slow heart rate (less than about 50 beats per minute in adults)
  • Severe weakness or inability to stand

Signs of a Mental Health Crisis

Seek immediate help if your loved one:

  • Talks about wanting to die or harm themselves
  • Has a plan or intent to attempt suicide
  • Is engaging in self-injury (self-harm)

In any emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Caring for Yourself as a Family Member in Grand Rapids

Supporting someone with an eating disorder can be emotionally and physically draining. You may feel:

  • Grief, sadness, or fear
  • Anger, frustration, or helplessness
  • Stress, burnout, or exhaustion
  • Neglected or overlooked as attention focuses on the unwell family member

Your wellbeing matters, too. Getting support for yourself is not selfish; it helps you stay strong enough to support your loved one over the long term.

Self‑Care Strategies

  • Talk to a trusted friend, partner, or family member about how you’re feeling.
  • Consider seeing your own therapist or counselor.
  • Join a support group for families and caregivers (in-person or online).
  • Maintain your own sleep, nutrition, and physical activity as best you can.
  • Set realistic boundaries and expectations for what you can and cannot do.

Local organizations, including many behavioral health practices in Grand Rapids, offer family counseling and caregiver support.

Where to Get Help in Grand Rapids, Michigan

If you’re concerned that a loved one may have an eating disorder, consider these options:

In an Emergency

  • Call 911
  • Go to the nearest hospital emergency department (e.g., Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health)

Medical and Mental Health Care

  • Primary Care Provider (PCP) or Family Doctor

    • Spectrum Health
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health
    • Mercy Health

  • Community Health Centers

    • Ask about behavioral health or mental health services and referrals.

  • Local Mental Health Providers

    • Psychologists, licensed therapists, psychiatrists, and registered dietitians with experience in eating disorders (search terms: “eating disorder therapist Grand Rapids MI,” “eating disorder dietitian Grand Rapids,” “eating disorder treatment West Michigan”).

  • Kent County Health Department / Grand Rapids Public Health

    • Information on local mental health resources and community clinics.

Crisis and Support Lines (National)

These services are available no matter where you are in Michigan:

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988 (24/7)
  • Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741
  • Kids Helpline / Youth Support (U.S. equivalents) – Check local and national youth helplines for current numbers and chat options.

(Note: Some numbers in the original text were placeholders. Always verify current phone numbers and hours for any service you plan to use.)

Key Points for Families in Grand Rapids

  • Eating disorders affect people of all ages, genders, body sizes, and backgrounds—including here in Grand Rapids and across Michigan.
  • Common early signs include body dissatisfaction, low self-esteem, unusual eating and exercise behaviors, and social withdrawal.
  • It’s important to research how to approach your loved one and to prepare for emotional or defensive reactions.
  • Encourage your loved one to see a doctor or mental health professional as soon as possible; early diagnosis and treatment improve outcomes.
  • Eating disorders often co-occur with anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive behaviors—share these concerns with providers.
  • When you talk to your loved one, emphasize that you care, use “I” statements, and avoid judgment or comments about weight or appearance.
  • Your support as a family member matters—and so does your own mental health. Seek help and resources for yourself as needed.

Eating disorders are treatable, and recovery is possible. With compassionate support from family, access to professional care in Grand Rapids, and timely intervention, your loved one has a real chance to heal and rebuild a healthy relationship with food and their body.