Information for Carers
This is an information sheet for relatives or friends of an adult suffering from an eating disorder. Eating disorders affect both men and women, although female sufferers are in the majority - approximately 90% of those suffering from an eating disorder are women.
An eating disorder is not solely a problem around food, weight or shape. It is an unhelpful and unhealthy way the sufferer has found to deal with other anxieties and fears in his/her life. This sheet is intended to give you some basic information about Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa and also to suggest how to look after yourself while you support a sufferer.
The causes for eating disorders are multi-determined, in other words, there is not one cause for developing an eating disorder. There appears to be much value placed on being thin in our culture - we are constantly exposed to pictures of thin "beautiful" people. Magazines, television and advertisements bombard us with information on wonder diets, food replacements and how to lose weight and be happy. Remember the television advertisements after Christmas? Those individuals who have an eating disorder frequently suffer from low self-esteem and feelings of lack of control over the way his/her life is going. Add these to the idea that by losing weight, life will be better and there is a danger of that individual dieting to extreme and in some cases developing an eating disorder. It must be stated again that these are not the only causes of developing an eating disorder and that they are not found in every case.
Anorexia Nervosa
Is characterised by an extreme fear of gaining weight and a strong desire to be thin. This is satisfied by extreme dieting and in some cases vigorous exercise. Some individuals who have Anorexia Nervosa also use slimming pills, diuretics (water tablets), laxatives or make themselves vomit up what they have eaten in order to control weight.
Bulimia Nervosa
Is characterised by an extreme fear of becoming fat and a desire to be thinner. He/she is normally within or above the normal weight range. There will be episodes of dieting but the sufferer of Bulimia Nervosa eats large amounts of food. The feelings of discomfort and guilt following the binge drive the individual to use laxatives, diuretics, exercise and/or cause him/her to vomit to control weight.
There are consequences, some of them very serious, of having an eating disorder. This information is intended to make you aware - not to scare.
|
Anorexia Nervosa |
Bulimia Nervosa |
|---|---|
|
Weight loss can lead to an emaciated appearance |
Weight loss |
Caring and Supporting
It is possible to recover from and eating disorder but it is important to remember that it takes time. Everyone must be patient - it may take weeks, months or in some cases years before recovery is reached. During the time he/she is in therapy or working towards recovery it is helpful to be available to listen in a non-judgmental, non-pressurising way. Do not dwell on issues around food and weight. Remember: although the eating disorder itself is unhelpful and painful, the fear of giving it up is even more frightening.
Self-care
Although you care, you may experience anger, frustration, fear and want to place blame.
These feelings are natural but only cause guilt, close channels of communication and increase isolation. To help yourself survive you must remember that before you can look after anyone else, you must look after yourself first. The following suggestions may be of help.
- Read and find out as much as you can about eating disorders. LINK TO READING LIST
- Find someone to talk to - there are self-help groups available. NEEDS Website and b-eat
- Lead your own life - do not let the sufferer feel he/she is responsible for your happiness as this only leads to increasing his/her despair.