How to Support Someone with an Eating Disorder

How can family members, friends and loved ones support someone with an eating disorder? You might feel incredibly anxious, upset, alone, frustrated as a carer. You might not know what to do. You may feel despairing about change. In this episode, I talk about the New Maudsley Animal Model - created by the Maudsley Hospital Eating Disorder Service in London (for adult sufferers rather than children or young teens). This helps explain how communication can be effective and ineffective in supporting someone. I talk through the different animals and the skills ideally needed, when becoming a 'dolphin'. It takes time to learn these skills. If you're a carer, I suggest you seek out a local support group. It's also vital that you self-care and look after yourself. These resources below might also help. The New Maudsley Animal Model http://thenewmaudsleyapproach.co.uk/media/animal_analogies.pdf Book recommendation: - Skills-based Caring for a Loved One with an Eating Disorder: by Janet Treasure, Grainne Smith and Anna Crane