How can Syeda Help?

  Join the Syeda carers support group which meets on the 1^st Tuesday of the month 7-8.30 pm at our centre. 

  Come for an assessment with Claire, our Services Coordinator.  Assessments help us to know what your needs are.  They are conducted jointly and you decide which services might help you.  These include:

•     Complementary therapies such as Reiki, Indian Head Massage, Acupressure or Aromatherapy Massage.  These can help you relax and feel more energised.  

•     One to one practical support sessions - a chance to off-load and to explore new ways of managing situations at home. 

•    Treading on Eggshells: a 6-session,  evening course that helps you gain skills in caring for someone with an eating disorder.  The course will also help you take care of yourself.   

What carers need to know   

  You can’t make someone with an eating disorder recover but you can do much to help the person with an eating disorder on their journey to recovery.   

  Find out what you can about eating disorders and what treatment is available locally.  You can do this by contacting Syeda or through the Beat (national eating disorders association) website (www.b-eat.co.uk).  Be aware of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) Guidelines on the type of treatment that should be offered (see www.nice.org.uk/CG009NICEquickrefguide). 

  Try not to blame the person or be judgemental.  Explain that you are concerned and want to help and if necessary what behaviour you will or will not tolerate.

  Know that recovery isn’t easy and will take time.  Home may feel like a battleground.  Long-standing friendships may be threatened because of changes in behaviour.  Prepare for the long haul.   

  Praise any positive efforts.   

  Avoid comments about appearance. 

  Be prepared for strong and conflicting feelings yourself, such as helplessness, anger, sympathy and resentment.  

  Instead of soul-searching for the reasons behind the eating disorder, try to plan what to do next.   

  By looking after yourself you'll show the person with the eating disorder that it’s right to take care of one's needs. 

 Don’t let the eating disorder take over normal, every day activities.

Skills-based Learning for Caring for a Loved One with an Eating Disorder. The New Maudsley method, Janet Treasure, Grainne Smith and Anna Crane, Routledge, 2007.  A very readable, self-help book, based on evidence based research and personal experience.  The book outlines the Maudsley Method of 'collaborative care' in which professionals and carers work with continuity and consistency in supporting the person with an eating disorder.  The book offers practical skills for carers in building motivation and encouraging behaviour change.

Eating Disorders: Helping Your Child Recover, Ed. Steve Bloomfield, published by the Eating Disorders Association.  (Ordering details on www.b-eat.co.uk) An excellent, practical guide on what to expect as a carer, with information and advice on how you can best give support.  There is also advice on carers looking after themselves. 

Anorexia and Bulimia in the Family, Grainne Smith, 2004  Drawing on her own experience of caring for her daughter, Grainne Smith provides practical strategies for how to cope day-to-day, and encourages carers to take care of themselves.   

Help Your Teenager Beat An Eating Disorder, James Lock and Daniel Le Grange, The Guildford Press, 2005.  Written by two psychiatrists, this book outlines the critical contribution a parent can make to a child’s recovery from an eating disorder. It takes a family-oriented approach based on studies conducted at the Maudsley Hospital in London.