January 2022 Newsletter

In this issue...

• Message from the Chair
• Save the Date: Feast of Knowledge 2022!
• Understanding Why Eating More Feels Impossible in Early Recovery
• I Know What to Feed My Child, But What About Me?
• De-escalation and Violence in FBT
• Upcoming support meetings

The start of the New Year will mean different things to different people. For many it will be an opportunity to look forward, after what has been another difficult year in the Covid-filled world that we now live in, and it brings hope that 2022 will be a happy and successful year for us all.  

For those facing the challenge of caring for a loved one with an eating disorder there will also be hope that this year will see progress along the road to recovery and a return to a more normal life.  Recovery is always possible, no matter how difficult that sometimes seems and at the start of this year it is a good time to focus on that message and to look forward with hope.

Our amazing team of volunteers is available to help right throughout the holiday season and our advocacy work will continue to build on the gains we made in 2021.

I wish you, your families, and those you care for the very best for a successful 2022 where our collective hope becomes reality..

Tim Boyle
Chair, EDANZ

Save the Date: Feast of Knowledge 2022!

Mark your calendars! FEAST of Knowledge 2022 will be taking place virtually on Sunday March 27, 2022 between the hours of 10am-4pm EST.

Understanding Why Eating More Feels Impossible in Early Recovery

By Laura Muhlheim
From Very Well Mind

If you are supporting a loved one with an eating disorder who is always full and complaining about stomach pains, you may struggle with how best to support them. Gastroparesis is a condition in which the process of emptying the stomach slows down and is common in those suffering from eating disorders.

https://www.verywellmind.com/gastroparesis-and-eating-disorders-5210431

I Know What to Feed My Child, But What About Me?

By Laura Cohen, FEAST Parent Support Volunteer
From FEAST

The conundrum that starts to occur in many caregivers is “Why do I have to eat the same way?” There is no perfect answer to this seemingly simple question.

https://www.feast-ed.org/i-know-what-to-feed-my-child-but-what-about-me/

De-escalation and Violence in FBT

By Abby Sarrett-Cooper
From FEAST

Violence does not belong in a family. Eating disorders, however, have their own rules. The greater the havoc they create, the more successful they are at staying put right where they are within your beloved child. 

https://www.feast-ed.org/de-escalation-and-violence-in-fbt/

Upcoming support group meetings

EDANZ believes parents/carers have unique abilities to support one another and we hold regular meetings to which you are warmly invited. Currently, we're joining together around the country once a month thanks to Zoom videoconferencing technology. 

If you would like to participate in a virtual support group, please RSVP to info@ed.org.nz and we'll send you the link.

We alternate monthly between evening and daytime meetings.

Upcoming 2022 Dates:

• January: Monday 17th, 7pm-8.30pm
• February: Friday 18th, 12pm-1pm
• March: Monday 21st, 7pm-8.30pm 

More information can be found on our website Parent/Carer Support Groups page

Remember: EDANZ helpline is open throughout all Covid 'traffic lights' – please don’t hesitate to contact us info@ed.org.nz or leave a message on the phone 0800 2 EDANZ and we will get back to you as soon as we can. If you are concerned about the safety of someone, please ring 111 or go to the Emergency Department of your nearest hospital.

Please consider donating to EDANZ

We acknowledge times are financially tight for many, but at this time there is also a corresponding increase in demand for our services. As a volunteer organisation relying totally on donations and grants to provide our services – many of which are currently self-funded – your financial support is more needed now than ever before. 

Your donation will enable us to continue our work providing support to families, education to healthcare providers and the community, and advocating for improved access to evidence-based treatment for all affected New Zealanders.