Resources for carers
In addition to resources about eating disorders listed on this website under "links" in the "Events and Links" section to this website, here are some web resources, books, and newsletters specifically for those recovering and their loved ones:
Websites
www.gurze.com: This website offers a comprehensive compilation of books, videos, and newsletters for those with eating disorders, family and friends, and professionals.
For parents: several handouts with parent tips and ideas: National Eating Disorders Association: www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/information-resources/parent-toolkit.php
The rights of carers in the treatment of eating disorders: Academy of Eating Disorders: Worldwide Charter for Action on Eating Disorders: www.aedweb.org/documents/WWchapter3.pdf
For loved ones and carers: Families Empowered and Supporting Treatment of Eating Disorders: (F.E.A.S.T.): (Laura's Collin's new non-profit website): www.feast-ed.org
Selected Books
Anorexia and Bulimia in the Family (2003) by Grainne Smith
- Written by a parent whose daughter struggled with anorexia and bulimia
- Provides specific situations and incidents she and her daughter encountered
- Tips/suggestions regarding meals, eating habits, bathroom issues, what to say to the person with the eating disorder, and the emotional and behavioral changes within the individual
- Coping strategies for the carer in order to survive the eating disorder
Eating in the Light of the Moon (2000) by Anita Johnson
- Uses metaphors, myths, and storytelling to portray elements of disordered eating and how an individual can overcome the problem
- Understanding inner feelings and what they may represent
- How to balance the masculine and feminine sides within
- Ideas to foster recovery
Families, Carers, and Professionals: Building Constructive Conversations (2007) by Grainne Smith
- Written by a parent whose daughter struggled with anorexia and bulimia
- Examples of effective professional/family communication
- How to ensure consistent professional/family collaborative support
- Positive approaches to challenge eating disorder behavior - home and professional
- The importance of care for the caretaker
Help Your Teenager Beat an Eating Disorder (2004) by James Lock and Daniel le Grange
- How parents can be actively involved in their child’s recovery process
- Practical guide to using the Maudsley approach in conjunction with
- professional treatment
- Understanding the mindset of the eating disorder in order provide support to better
"I'm, Like, So Fat!" (2005) by Dianne Neumark-Sztainer
- Shows parents and their children how to eat healthy, stay fit with the appropriate amount of physical activity
- Shows how to maintain a healthy body image
- Characterizes weight-related problems and factors that affect these problems such as the dangers of dieting
- Provides questionnaires and worksheets to help parents determine whether or not their child may be or is at risk for a weight-related problem
Life Without Ed (2004) by Jenni Schaefer
- Told from the eyes of Jenni, a survivor of anorexia and bulimia, with insight from her psychotherapist Thom Rutledge
- The importance of learning to identify 'Ed', the eating disorder, as a separate object or being with its own personality and distinct way of thinking
- Looks at Ed’s relationship to the individual with the eating disorder
- Learn how to resist and ignore Ed in order to recover and overcome relapse
Nutrition Counseling in the Treatment of Eating Disorders (2002) by Marica Herrin
- Defines eating disorders, medical complications and characteristics of essential nutrients
- Weight management strategies for people with eating disorders
- How to manage binge eating
Surviving an Eating Disorder: Strategies for Family and Friends (1997) by Michele Siegel, Judith Brisman, and Margot Weinshel
- Definition, signs, symptoms, and progression of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder
- Guidelines for how to approach the initial discussion between you and the individual with the eating disorder and possible reactions that can occur
- Rules/tips to help families cope with meals, abnormal eating habits, money/finances and the impact the actions of the eating-disordered person has on others
- Various treatment options on the road to recovery
Skills-based Learning for Caring for a Loved One with an Eating Disorder (2007) by Janet Treasure, Grainne Smith, and Anna Crane
- Easy-to-understand guidelines and tips for parents and carers about facilitating and supporting recovery
- One of the authors is the parent of a child who is recovered from anorexia
- Helps carers develop good communication skills with a loved one with an eating disorder
- Helps carers care for themselves
Newsletters
Eating Disorders Today: A newsletter for recovering individuals and their loved ones.
Editor-in-chief: Joel Yager, MD. Quarterly newsletter. Subscription fee applies.
Subscribe at www.gurze.com. Click on newsletters.
Eating Disorder Survival Guide for Carers. Free monthly e-newsletter:
Subscribe at www.Edsurvivalguide.com
