Eating disorders

For parents/carers

This section is first and foremost for parents who may be worried that their teenager may be developing or currently has an eating disorder. It is also for parents whose teenager has a friend who has an eating disorder.

It is really important to take issues about eating and eating disorders seriously. Parents play an important part in the recovery process both directly and indirectly.

Try and be as informed as you can but don’t spend too much time trying to find out causes of the eating problems at the start; what’s more important is to stop the progression of the condition.

Points to remember

• Eating disorders are not ‘normal’ dieting and body shape concerns; they are serious mental illnesses with damaging physical consequences. They need consistent and long-term monitoring. Don’t be deceived by thinking it’s just a ‘passing phase’
• Try to move away from a reluctance to acknowledging there is a problem. Accepting the symptoms of these conditions and their negative effects are important in order to aid positive change. They are not being deliberately difficult. No one chooses to have an eating disorder
• Eating disorders respond well to early diagnosis and appropriate help
• Eating disorders alter the sufferer’s thinking and behaviour, so work with your child/teenager even if they may appear changed, secretive and defensive
• Your role in working with your child/teenager with an eating disorder is important. Keep your connection with them
• Consistency is crucial in bringing about change. This includes consistency of approach, tolerance, input and monitoring
• Do not lose sight of all of the other aspects of your child/teenager. Their eating is only one aspect of the person you know and care for