These are often the questions people face when a sibling or friend develops an eating disorder.
Eating disorders such as Anorexia, Bulimia and Binge Eating Disorder can have a devastating impact upon the lives of not only those suffering from the illness themselves but also the family and friends around them.
Eating Disorders Victoria has launched a dedicated siblings and friends website section with information developed to assist the families and friends of individuals suffering from an eating disorder by giving them readily available information and support.
According to recent Australian research conducted by the National Eating Disorders Collaboration, the impact of an eating disorder is not only felt by the individual, but often by that person’s entire family circle.
As well as parents, the siblings, partners, friends, extended family and work colleagues often experience many different feelings as they learn to cope with the effects of the eating disorder on the person and on their own lives.
According to Sarah McGuinness, whose sister has suffered from an eating disorder, “I felt distraught, upset, confused, devastated, responsible, frightened…. Plus probably a host of other emotions when I found out my sister had an eating disorder.
“I didn’t know at all how to deal with it and I didn’t know how to ask for help,” Sarah added.
The Siblings and Friends website features a video interview with Sarah about the importance of looking after yourself as well as your sibling, along with an interview Brie whose friend was diagnosed with an eating disorder and Gen who discusses how she felt when first discovering her sister had an eating disorder.
The strain of living with the eating disorder can create tensions and divisions within the family and each person involved will be affected in different ways. Siblings may struggle with the disruption to the regular family routine which often occurs when a treatment program is in place.
Eating Disorders Victoria CEO Jennifer Beveridge said, “Eating disorders treatment is usually focused on the person with the eating disorder and their care givers. Siblings and friends can be easily overlooked and can feel like they can’t ask for extra support while their sibling or friend is so unwell.
“Sometimes it is only when the person with the eating disorder is in recovery that many families reflect on their journey and realise the impact that the eating disorder also had on other members of the family and wider friendship circles,” Jennifer added.
“The experiences and stories of siblings and friends are unique and insightful, and it is great that we are able to tell their stories and dedicate support services and information with them in mind.”
The Sibling and Friends support service aims to assist people by providing advice for families and friends about where to start, online information and chat, school workshops and face-to-face counselling.
To view Eating Disorders Victoria’s new resource, visit: http://www.eatingdisorders.org.au/siblings‐a‐friends
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