Via the NHS

NHS Services will vary depending on where you live, but you can access help through your GP. Early intervention is important. Remember that you need to be taken seriously, and we advise you to write a list of your concerns before you go so that you don’t forget anything you need to talk about. Book a double appointment if it’s your first visit and you think you might need the time.

 

Friends, family & support groups

While specialist treatment is preferable, this may not always be available where you live. Don’t despair as people can recover with support from friends and family.  Attending self-help groups like TEDS can also help, and although we don’t offer treatment, you can discuss anything you want to in a confidential setting.

 

Specialist counselling

Specialist dietary counselling/support could help.  For talking therapies, check out the Counselling Directory  www.counselling-directory.org.uk,   the BACP website www.bacp.co.uk or UKCP website www.psychotherapy.org.uk. Finding the right therapeutic support is important, and while we cannot recommend any specific approach or therapist, we can discuss the range of psychological approaches available during our weekly and monthly meetings, so that you can make your own decision.

Latest findings show that journal writing, mindfulness, and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help.

Sometimes medication can help, but this must be discussed with your GP.

 

Recovery

We are a pro recovery organisation, and as such absolutely believe that a full recovery is possible. Many people break free from an Eating Disorder. That doesn’t mean life is without its normal stresses and strains, or work and relationship difficulties, but sufferers can find ways of coping with anxiety, negative thoughts, and difficult emotions and feelings. However, recovery is a verb, a doing thing, and for some people it can take years rather than months. Setbacks are common, but TEDS can support you through this process.

For others, recovery may look a little different, and some symptoms may persist through life. Either way positive changes are possible.

 

Meet with TEDS

Come along to one of our monthly (families and/or sufferers) or weekly (sufferers only) support groups, where you will be able to share experiences or simply listen to what those around you have to say about experiences that may be like your own. At these groups, we will be able to provide you with further information and point you in the right direction on how to gain further support for a successful recovery. Get in touch!

 

Useful websites

Below you will find lots of websites with a wealth of information about eating disorders. Just click on the links below to find out more.

www.b-eat.co.uk – Beat is the most widely recognised network of UK based eating disorder support groups, provider of online support, helplines and other vital eating disorder recovery related resources.

www.getselfhelp.co.uk – Extensive online self-help resource.

www.mengetedstoo.co.uk – A national charity that raises the awareness of, supports and represents men with eating disorders.

www.nshn.co.uk – Leading UK self-harm support charity, offering all manner of support, advice and advocacy services.

Recover Your Life – One of the largest online self-harm support communities on the web.

Royal College of Psychiatrists – Professional body responsible for education, training, setting and raising standards in psychiatry.

youngminds.org.uk– Leading UK charity committed to improving the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people.

Young Persons Advisory Service – Providing support to young people aged between 10 – 25 with a focus on respect and accept amongst the high priorities of their ethos.

For additional support regarding a variety of mental health difficulties, you may find it helpful to access the resources listed below.

• anxietyuk.org.uk – Anxiety issues
• mind.org.uk – Depression
• drinkaware.co.uk – Alcohol abuse
• alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk
• www.talktofrank.com  Drug abuse
• selfinjurysupport.org.uk – self harm
• www.ocduk.org  Obsessive compulsive disorder
• ptsd.org.uk Post-traumatic stress disorder
• www.bullying.co.uk  Bullying

 

Recommended reading

Below is a list of useful information booklets and leaflets for you to read online or print out.

The Caring Role in Eating Disorders

Is a leaflet by a well know practitioner and author on Eating Disorders the content of which is taken from her book.  Parents have found the symbolism of using different animals to describe how they care for a loved one very useful.

Supporting a Child or Adolescent with an Eating Disorder

For those who provide help and support to someone under the age of 18 who is suffering from an eating disorder.

Supporting an Adult with an Eating Disorder

For those who provide help and support to someone over the age of 18 who is suffering from an eating disorder.

Supporting a Partner with an Eating Disorder

For those who provide help and support to a girlfriend, boyfriend, wife or husband who is suffering from an eating disorder.

 

Below is a list of books that you may find useful while caring for a loved one suffering from an Eating Disorder

Skills based Learning for Caring for a Loved One with an Eating Disorder, The New Maudsley Method.

Treasure J., Smith, G., & Crane A. (2007) / Routledge, ISBN 978-0-415-43158-3

No Big Deal, A Guide to Recovery from Addictions.

Coats, J., (2006) / The Sows Ear Press, ISBN 0-9553677-0-0

Eating Disorders and Obesity.

Fairburn, C.G., and Brownell K.D. / The Guildford Press, ISBN 1-59385-236-3

Overcoming Binge Eating.

Fairburn, C. (1995) / The Guildford Press, ISBN 0-89862-179-8

Eating Disorders, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Young People.

Gowers, S and Green L. / Routledge, ISBN 978-0-415-44463-7

You Can Heal Your Life.

Hay, L. (1984) / Eden Grove Editions, ISBN 1-870845-01-3

Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway, how to turn your fear and indecision into confidence and action.

Jeffers, S., (1991) / Random House, ISBN 0-09-974100-8

Getting Better Bit(e) by Bit(e), A survival kit for sufferers of bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorders.

Schmidt, U., & Treasure J. (2007) / Routledge, ISBN 978-0-86377-322-8

Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy for Anxious children: A manual for treating childhood anxiety.

Semple R., & Lee J. (2010) / New Harbinger Press, ISBN 1572247193

Think Good- Feel Good, A Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Workbook for Children and Young People.

Stallard, Paul. (2003) / John Wiley and Sons, ISBN 0-470-84290-3

Mindfulness-based treatment approaches, clinicians guide to evidence base and application.

Bair, R., (2006) / Academic Press, ISBN 1572307064