Written by a mother whose daughter suffers from an eating disorder, Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa is a supportive, helpful guide for families of those with eating disorders. Framed by the personal story of Gráinne Smith and her daughter, the book describes the onset and symptoms of the two disorders, as well as the typical situations family and caregivers can expect on the long road to helping the sufferer to recover. Readers will learn about the effects on family life, in particular the common feelings of isolation and helplessness, and get strategies for coping and finding more information and assistance.
Tabla de materias
About the author.
Foreword by Professor Janet Treasure.
Preface.
Acknowledgements.
Part I.
1. Introductions.
2. Arrivals.
3. Prepare for a long road.
4. Living with the volcano.
5. Horrible habits and ghastly games.
6. Family actions and reactions.
7. Control issues.
8. How bad can it get?
9. Can the family survive Anorexia?
10. You are not alone.
11. Read all about it!
12. Research – past and present.
13. Anorexia, Bulimia and self-esteem.
Part II.
14. Anxious Annie, Soft Sue or Hard-hearted Hannah-the
parents’ dilemma.
15. Tips, techniques and strategies.
16. Coming up for air – stress, distress and survival for
carers.
17. Pathways to professionals.
18. End of the story . . . or rather, a new beginning . . .
.
Appendices.
Definitions.
Family areas affected by anorexia and bulimia nervosa.
More carers’ conversations from the EDA helpline and
meetings.
Addiction/compulsive behaviour – going down . . . coming
up!
How to be a motivational carer.
Useful addresses, phone numbers and websites.
Recommended reading.
Bibliography.
Index.
Sobre el autor
Gráinne Smith has worked for several years on the
Eating Disorder Association helpline as a volunteer, putting to
good use her training and experience as a former Samaritan. During
that time she has spoken to hundreds of carers and sufferers as
well as to many professionals.
A founder member, now chairperson, of NEEDS Scotland (North East
Eating Disorder Support) and a member of the Mental Health group
that developed the Scottish Executive Health Department framework
document for eating disorders services in Scotland, she has also
taken part in Mental Health and Well-being Support Group visits to
health boards and presented a petition on eating disorders to the
Scottish Executive. She currently works to raise awareness of how
poor mental health affects whole families while good mental health
underpins physical well-being.
During a long career in primary education, including nine years as
head teacher of Fyvie Nursery and Primary School, Aberdeenshire,
she enjoyed working with whole families and children aged from 3 to
12. As a writer, Gráinne has had short stories and poems
published in magazines and anthologies; while working with Grampian
Region she helped write and present courses for teachers and head
teachers; she has also written many educational materials including
coordinating and contributing to the pack »Fyvie
Castle – Its Life and Legends».