July 2021 Newsletter

In this issue...

• What parents and support people can do when a loved one is resistant to treatment
  
• The truth about anxiety during anorexia treatment
• Weight-Restoration: Why and how much weight gain?
• The author of the FBT manual discusses this evidence-based treatment
• Massey University Researcher seeks parents for her study
• Upcoming support meetings

Eating disorders are treatable. Full recovery is possible at any age and any stage. I have spoken to many recovered individuals who tell me that when they were ill they simply could not imagine themselves recovered or believe that it was possible. They speak of the importance of having someone to hold the hope for them, to be firm in their conviction that regaining full and lasing good health is an achievable goal. Never forget – Your role is vital! 

The resources linked below provide fabulous information, advice and inspiration for those supporting a loved one to recover from an eating disorder. As always, we encourage you to learn as much as you can – knowledge is power as you support your loved one to recover. Some of today’s resources have brief reference to the health system in the USA – don’t be put off!  The content is relevant to all – please do take the time to read the articles and also watch the video.

You may be interested in the ANZAED (Australia and New Zealand Academy of Eating Disorders) conference in August. Available online and as an in-person event in Perth. Members of the EDANZ team have attended this annual conference for the last 10 years and benefitted greatly from the latest in knowledge of eating disorders and their treatment, as well as the opportunity to meet others in the sector. https://conference2021anzaed.weebly.com

For those in Wellington, a reminder that there is a Q&A session about Family Based Therapy (FBT) for treating anorexia nervosa on 30 July at 4pm at the Johnsonville Community Centre. Find out more.

EDANZ continues to advocate with the Ministry of Health and Members of Parliament across all parties for urgent improvement to treatment services. We urge you to continue to focus your energy on the care of your loved one, your family and yourself as we lobby for attention to this unacceptably underfunded and under-resourced illness.

Sending very best wishes to you all,

Nicki Wilson
Chair, EDANZ

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When a patient with anorexia or bulimia, or other eating disorder, "doesn't want to recover"

What can parents and support people do when a loved one says, "I'm not ill and I don't want to get better"?

https://www.healthyplace.com/blogs/eatingdisorderrecovery/2010/05/my-daughter-does-not-want-to-recover-from-her-eating-disorder

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The truth about anxiety during anorexia treatment

Known as “extinction burst”, it is common for anxiety to rise again as someone is nearing weight restoration. Why it is so important to continue regaining until full recovery:

https://www.eatingrecoverycenter.com/blog/treatment/Truth-About-Anxiety-During-Anorexia-Treatment

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Nutritional rehabilitation is necessary for all eating disorders, not only anorexia nervosa

A healthy weight is necessary for the wellbeing of the body, the brain, and the mind.

https://anorexiafamily.com/weight-restoration-eating-disorder/?v=8e3eb2c69a18

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What’s new with Family Based Treatment (FBT)? 

Dr. Daniel Le Grange is one of the two authors of the ground-breaking treatment manuals: FBT for adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa and FBT for adolescents with Bulimia Nervosa. FBT is still acknowledged today as one of the few evidence-based treatments for eating disorders. In this 60-minute webinar, Dr Le Grange discusses the fundamentals of Family Based Treatment and answers parents' questions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAu3LEaj_eU 
[60-minute webinar]

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Massey University Psychology Honours student seeking parents for research project 

Julia Stewart, a psychology honours student at Massey University, is seeking participants for her research project on the experience of carers of people with eating disorders/distress through COVID-19.

Read more here: Carers' Experience of Eating Disorders & COVID-19 [pdf]

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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:

July: Monday 26th, 7pm

August: Friday 27th, 12pm 

September: Monday 27th, 7pm 

October: Friday 25th, 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.