Somerset and Wessex Eating Disorders Association
"serving those affected by eating disorders"

Help For

Carers

CARERS

Carers suffer too, even though you do not have an eating disorder. It is important that you have help and support. If the sufferer does not want help, don’t let that stop you from seeking assistance, you have needs too.

Anyone with an eating disorder experiences tremendous pain and suffering, but they are not the only ones. Family and friends also experience their own pain. It is difficult to watch someone you love slowly destroy themselves, while you look on feeling helpless. In order for someone to recover, they have to want to get better and be willing to accept help. No matter how much you want to help that person, you have to accept that you cannot force someone to get better or receive help.

You may find yourself feeling angry and guilty, both at yourself and the sufferer, with feelings like these.....

“Why did I not see this earlier?”, “This must be my fault”, “Why can’t I help?”, “Why can’t she stop this herself?”

It is ok to have these feelings, they are perfectly natural.

Parents certainly take on the guilt and feel responsible. Blaming yourself will not help. Accepting there is a problem and coming alongside that person is the best way to move forward.

Many carers are afraid to approach the person with the eating disorder in case they make it worse. They feel the sufferer may do more harm to themselves or even die.

The sufferer may need specialist help, but you can offer invaluable help and support. Recovery is not easy and will take time. Try to be supportive and positive. The eating disorder is only a symptom of underlying problems and they will need to talk about how they really feel inside. Let them know that you are there for them.

Trying to help someone can be frustrating and hard work. Recovery can be a long process, you need to look after your own needs during this time. It is important that you are able to talk to someone about your feelings.

Recovery is possible. Setbacks will happen so be prepared. There will be times when anything you say or do will be wrong. Home may feel like a battleground. This can put great strain on family and friends. You must try to remember that whatever the sufferer says or does, it is out of pain and distress, and not personal, even if it may feel like it.

SWEDA can offer... Non-judgmental support from trained listeners who know and understand what you are going through.

“ You can tell that many volunteers at SWEDA have had first hand experience of suffering from, or living with, an eating disorder. Their level of understanding is so encouraging” - A Carer

You can contact SWEDA for information about eating disorders and the range of services offered (including: one-to-one support, self-help support and the telephone helpline) at :-

SWEDA’s telephone helpline, which is staffed by trained volunteers, many of whom have a personal experience of an eating disorder, can be reached on:-

01458 448600
an answerphone is available when the helpline is closed.


support@swedauk.org
Email support and MSN Messenger contact ID

SWEDA is a registered charity (No.1056441)
and a company limited by guarantee (No.3208772)