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June 2025 Newsletter

IN THIS ISSUE...

  • Message from the Chair
  • Supporting Siblings
    • 5 Ways to Support Siblings of Kids with Mental Health Disorders
    • Living Overlooked: Siblings of Young People with Eating Disorders
    • How's Life When Your Sibling has an Eating Disorder (podcast)
  • Upcoming EDANZ support meetings

Message from the Chair

After a somewhat heated discussion in our house the other day I heard our older daughter say to our younger daughter: “It’s Mum’s first time on earth too you know.” Gosh, I felt seen. Sometimes our children astound us with their wisdom in such simplicity. We are all just trying to do our best, and when an eating disorder enters the home, our best efforts are often directed toward supporting the child who is experiencing the illness. This month we are going to spotlight their siblings – help them feel seen. An eating disorder affects the whole family in one way or another and each family member may experience the occurrence differently. Let’s take a look at how to support siblings and how siblings can support each other. 

Here at EDANZ, we had the opportunity at the end of May to reflect on the year that was, at our Annual General Meeting. We are grateful to all who support us; our volunteers, those who attended the AGM, and all who have contributed to the running of our organisation during the 2024-2025 year. We gladly announce the appointment of our Board for the next 12 months: Megan Tombs (Chair), Wiebke Gailer (Deputy Chair), Kaye Adams, Andrea Bonetto, Katrina Cowie, Nina Gray, and Heather Hay.

Wishing you all well as we move into winter.

Ngā manaakitanga
Megan



Supporting Siblings
5 Ways to Support Siblings of Kids with Mental Health Disorders

5 Ways to Support Siblings of Kids with Mental Health Disorders

This first article is a bit broader than Eating Disorders; it talks generally about ways to support siblings of children with mental health disorders. So many of the points can be used specifically when an eating disorder is in the house too. Particularly, that siblings often struggle, they often keep a lot to themselves even though they could well be upset by the added tension in the home. Without being too Pollyanna-ish, this article also reminds us of the valuable skills and empathy that comes when children grow up with a sibling who is struggling. The main points are: 

  1. Talk openly about the situation 
  2. Spread the support 
  3. Set aside time for each child 
  4. Look at the positive.



Living Overlooked: Siblings of Young People with Eating Disorders

Living Overlooked: Siblings of Young People with Eating Disorders

This next article is from an international clinic with references to the UK’s charity, Beat Eating Disorders.

“According to BEAT, the UK’s eating disorder charity, there are several best practice standards that can and should be followed to reduce the emotional or psychological distress and burden of ED on siblings. These include: 

  1. Ensuring siblings are involved and supported as soon as treatment starts. 
  2. Providing all siblings with honest and comprehensive information about eating disorders. 
  3. Offering all siblings an assessment of their own needs and continuing to monitor their well-being throughout treatment and, where necessary, referring them to specialist services. 
  4. Offering siblings options for peer-to-peer support. 
  5. Providing siblings with the opportunity to give feedback throughout the treatment process.”


And lastly, a very informative podcast from the wonderful Butterfly Foundation...

How's life when your sibling has an eating disorder?

How's life when your sibling has an eating disorder?

“If a person experiences a mental health issue, most people know that their family is also affected in varying ways. This podcast takes a look at the impact of eating disorders on siblings – how they feel about their brother or sister’s eating disorder, how they feel about their sibling’s experience, what support they feel able to offer, and what support they may actually need for themselves. It’s a complex family dynamic and one that needs to be handled with awareness – for everyone’s sake.”





EDANZ Support Group Meetings

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 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.

Upcoming meetings:

  • Wednesday, 4 June at 8pm
  • Wednesday, 2 July at 8pm

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

Remember: EDANZ helpline is open throughout the year – please don’t hesitate to contact us at 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.





"When I rang EDANZ, I found not only compassion and understanding on the other end of the phone, but someone who had been where I was, someone who knew what we were going through.  They gave me practical help, information about the illness that had invaded our home and a way to kick it out."


Did you know EDANZ doesn't receive any regular funding? The EDANZ team are all volunteers who generously give their time to support families and the community. 

Even a small donation from you will help us stay afloat. 

We're so grateful to those who have helped us financially this year.

Donate to EDANZ

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