Tips for carers
For someone to recover from an eating disorder, they have to want to. However much you love them, you can’t do it for them. What you can do is encourage and support them to be more motivated. This can make a real difference to their recovery.
Try not to blame the person or be judgemental. Tell them you’re concerned and want to help, though be clear about what behaviour you won’t tolerate.
Know that recovery isn’t easy and will take time.
Praise any positive efforts.
Avoid comments about appearance.
Keep telling the person how much you value them.
Instead of soul-searching for the reasons behind the eating disorder, try to plan what to do next.
Find out the government guidelines on what treatment should be offered to people with eating disorders
Contact www.b-eat.co.uk for more help and support
Useful Books
Skills Based Learning for Caring for a Loved One with an Eating Disorder. The New Maudsley Method by Janet Treasure, Grainné Smith & Anna Crane
Help Your Teenager Beat an Eating Disorder, by James Lock and Daniel Le Grange
Eating Disorders: Helping Your Child Recover ed. Steve Bloomfield, published by the Eating Disorders Association
Accessing Support for your loved one
The National Centre for Clinincal Excellence (NICE) has guidelines on what services should be provided through the NHS for people experiencing eating disorders.
There is also a guide on the BEAT website to NHS services.
Here is a guide to local services in South Yorkshire.
If you don't feel that the person that you care about is getting the support that they need
Healthwatch England is the national consumer champion in health and social care. They have statutory powers to ensure the voice of the consumer is strengthened and heard by those who commission, deliver and regulate health and care services. Each area has its own Health Watch;
Barnsley: http://www.healthwatchbarnsley.co.uk
Sheffield: http://www.healthwatchsheffield.co.uk
Rotherham: http://healthwatchrotherham.org.uk
