November 2024 Newsletter

IN THIS ISSUE...

The year is rolling by so quickly: all of a sudden we are coming to the end of the high-school year, exams for some, and all of the end-of-year celebrations. It can be a hard time for those experiencing an eating disorder in so many different ways.  Less time in regular routines can mean uncertainty, and more stress factors can mean heightened emotions. Our volunteers on the helpline are available seven days a week, so please do reach out when you need to, as many times as you need. There is no room for shame or blame when it comes to battling eating disorders. We are here to support you no matter what is happening.

Ngā manaakitanga
Megan

How to reset your child’s algorithm on TikTok, Instagram, and other platforms

‘Comparison is the thief of all Joy’ (Eleanor Roosevelt) is not a new concept and nowhere is this more amplified than through social media which we know is a contributing factor in children’s mental wellbeing. As a parent, you want your child to surround themselves with good influences. That’s true not only for who they spend time with in real life, but also for the people and ideas they’re exposed to on social media. If you or your child are concerned about the content appearing in their feed, one beneficial step you can take is to help them reset their social media algorithm.

"Manorexia"

Anorexia in males is often overlooked as women tend to outnumber men affected by it. This short article shines a light on the pressure media increasingly puts on men to have a particular body shape and size, as women have experienced for decades. A relative lack of awareness means that it is often neglected; this piece seeks to raise awareness.

Body dysmorphia’s masked prevalence amongst men – a personal account of separating media’s image from reality

Often – as unfortunately prevalent amongst other mental health concerns – the eating disorder community is also too quick to overlook the need to address men’s struggles as well. Providing a closer look into what we turn a blind eye to, despite being seemingly shoved in our faces, Tom Usher in The Guardian illustrates his own personal experience with his ED. A reminder that “image” is an ideal we are all influenced by and unhealthy habits are too often encouraged amongst all of us regardless of our differences.

‘Let them know how much you love them’ – A short extract from a parent letter

Following on from the letter in last month’s newsletter written by Megs, ‘What I wish I knew’, below is a letter in a similar vein for people supporting their loved ones that contains some practical insight and suggestions. 

Let them know how much you love them. As a parent you take it for granted that your child knows this and I come from a family that isn't big on saying it, but I learned to... Don't take the getting well process away from them. My friend said one of the worst things was their parents talking about her behind closed doors. It made them feel paranoid and very alone as she felt everyone was plotting against her... Curing eating disorders is not something that can be done TO somebody, it is something that has to be done WITH them. Take the pressure off. Let them know that nothing matters as much as their health. THEIR HEALTH IS THE ABSOLUTE PRIORITY. It doesn't matter if it is an exam year. Exams can be made up later, but health effects from an eating disorder can be long term and the sooner it is turned around the better. If they've had a dreadful night’s sleep (from the bad dreams that malnutrition brings) then give them a day off school rather than send them upset and wiped out. The hardest part is to get them to take the pressure off themselves, as people with eating disorders tend to always be pushing themselves to do better.

Health Star Rating Petition Request

Health Star Ratings are difficult to interpret, inequitable, and have not led to any meaningful change in shopper habits in fact they are damaging to people affected by eating disorders. EDANZ and Voices of Hope support Health Minister Reti's pre-election comment to conduct a review of Health Star Ratings (HSRs) on food products, however both are concerned by the prospect of mandatory labelling or warning labels as advocated for by the Public Health Advisory Committee and the Health Coalition Aotearoa respectively. In a survey of 101 people with lived experience, 80% felt that Health Star Ratings and Warning Labels on food are harmful to those affected by ngā mauiui kai | eating disorders. 

We need your support in signing a petition to ensure voices of people affected are heard. In addition we are advocating that:

1. Health Star Ratings are discontinued and front-of-package warning labels are not implemented
2. Government explores alternative approaches to incentivising product reformulation
3. The process of developing and implementing any population nutritional intervention incorporates the voice of those at greatest risk of being adversely affected: people affected by eating disorders
4. Efforts to improve the health of our nation are focused on increasing the availability of a variety of nutritionally balanced foods and eradicating food inequity. 

You can read the full submission here

Petition closes 13 December 2024

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, 4th December at 8pm-9pm
• Wednesday, 8th January 2025 at 8pm (NB: 2nd Wednesday of the month due to holiday period)