November 2021 Newsletter

In this issue...

• Message from the Chair
• The Role of a Support Person in Eating Disorder Treatment
• Guidebook for Nutrition Treatment of Eating Disorders
• How Can I Get My Child to Eat?
• Diet Alert: Vegetarianism and the Risks of Anorexia Nervosa
• Olivia Ray: The Ballerina who found her mighty cycling legs
• Upcoming support meetings

I would like to start by acknowledging all those that live in Auckland and parts of the Waikato that have been affected by the significant periods of lockdown and social restrictions. The impact these have on our daily lives and our mental wellbeing is significant and the uncertainty around what the future holds creates many challenges for many of us. This uncertainty makes it even more challenging for those who are caring for a loved one with an eating disorder, and I encourage people to reach out and ask for help and support when these challenges seem overwhelming.

This month we have seen the formation of an Eating Disorder Advisory Group to provide advice to the Ministry of Health. The group, which is led by Whāraurau (formally the Werry Centre for Child and Adolescent Mental Health), met for the first time in mid-October with Nicki Wilson representing EDANZ. They are tasked with reviewing the current state of eating disorder diagnosis, treatment and education, and making recommendations to the Ministry for improvements in these areas. I am thrilled to have Nicki representing us in this forum and we will keep you updated on any progress the group makes.

Also this month, Nicki and I met with the Associate Minister of Health, Dr Ayesha Verrall and the MP for Auckland Central, Chlöe Swarbrick, to discuss the concerning rise in eating disorders. Dr Verrall agreed that there has been a significant increase in the number of eating disorder diagnoses over the past 24 months and that waiting times and delays in accessing services were increasing. She expressed strong appreciation for the work that EDANZ continues to do in supporting those in need, but was unable to commit to financial support for EDANZ, or to provide any significant updates on how to address this troubling trend. Chlöe Swarbrick was similarly supportive of EDANZ and is now working officially (www.facebook.com/chloeNZgreens/posts/409312763894895) with Dr Verrall (www.facebook.com/drayeshaverrall/posts/4547853155302950) on improving access to support and treatment. It is great to have the opportunity to be heard at this level of Government and to receive such strong messages of thanks and support.

I hope you find the information contained in this month’s newsletter helpful, and again please reach out to the EDANZ team if you need help and support during these difficult times.

Tim Boyle
Chair, EDANZ

The Role of a Support Person in Eating Disorder Treatment

By June Alexander from thediaryhealer.com

The most important thing you can do when assisting someone with an eating disorder is to prepare by educating yourself as much as possible about eating disorders. 

https://thediaryhealer.com/2021/10/11/the-role-of-a-support-person-in-eating-disorder-treatment/

How Can I Get My Child to Eat?

By Eva Musby from Anorexia Family

Simple tips, based on Family Based Therapy, that you can use right away.

https://anorexiafamily.com/help-sheet-refeeding-tips/?v=8e3eb2c69a18

Guidebook for Nutrition Treatment of Eating Disorders 

By the Academy for Eating Disorders Nutrition Working Group, from AED

This publication contains basic information regarding elements of nutrition care for individuals with eating disorders (EDs).

Download PDF Guidebook here

Diet Alert: Vegetarianism and the Risks of Anorexia Nervosa

By James Greenblatt, MD from FEAST

Although it has not yet been consistently demonstrated that being vegetarian can cause the development of symptoms of anorexia, the results of some studies are a bit alarming. 

https://www.feast-ed.org/diet-alert-vegetarianism-and-the-risks-of-anorexia-nervosa/

Olivia Ray: The ballerina who found her mighty cycling legs

By Sarah Cowley Ross of LockerRoom, from Stuff

Pro cyclist Olivia Ray is out to shatter the myths around body image in cycling – and sport.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/women-in-sport/126784465/olivia-ray-the-ballerina-who-found-her-mighty-cycling-legs

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're now alternating monthly between evening and daytime meetings.

Upcoming 2021 Dates:

November: Monday 29th, 7pm

December: Friday 17th, 12pm.

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

Remember: EDANZ helpline is open throughout all Covid Alert Levels – 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.