Finding the Balance Panel Recap

The panel of four was moderated by Ary Maharaj, an active researcher, practicing therapist and Outreach & Education Coordinator at the National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC) in Toronto. Other panelists included Joanna Anderson, an experienced eating disorder practitioner currently working in private practice; Nancy Main, a parent motivated to share her family’s journey after her daughter was diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa in 2017; Candice Richardson, an active volunteer and direct client support worker at NEDIC who also shares her personal experience with the effects of an eating disorder; Victoria Freeman, a researcher and psychotherapist passionate about the prevention, treatment and education of eating disorders. Victoria currently works with the Young Adult Eating Disorder Program at Southlake Regional Hospital, and also offers individual family therapy for eating disorders in her private practice.

 

One of the common themes shared was that an eating disorder can come about very quickly, sometimes in a matter of months, and that both girls and boys are susceptible, typically between the ages of 12 and 25. It’s incumbent upon us as parents, friends and family members to look for sudden changes of behaviour and be proactive in talking with our kids about what healthy eating looks like. Ary advised keeping an eye out for flags, rather like the colours of a traffic light. Rigidity and rules around eating, for example, can be an amber warning sign. Students can be especially vulnerable during times of significant transition. If you suspect something is amiss, ask questions and seek help.

“A balanced diet and healthy approach to food stands the test of time and leads toward recovery,” said Joanna Anderson, a member of the team to develop the first residential program for adolescents with eating disorders in Canada. If you aren’t sure what that is, seek someone out with specialized training. Referrals from someone you trust work best. “Educating yourself, advocating for your child and finding out as much information as possible is optimal, as not all doctors are equipped to handle eating disorders.”

“An eating disorder boils down to any extreme emotions or behaviour around food,” explained Candice Richardson, a mental health advocate and volunteer for NEDIC who spoke firsthand about her experiences with an eating disorder. “Awareness is key to change.”

All four panelists touched on the potential of environmental triggers causing a quick onset of an eating disorder in the context of mental illness. Sometimes there is a genetic predisposition, other times stress or anxiety may bring it on. Without suggesting parents panic if their child appears stressed in advance of their first mid-terms, the panelists reiterated the need to touch base on a weekly basis via FaceTime or Skype once their children move away from home, “have your eyes on your child.” Even though they are 18 or older, the risk of developing an eating disorder remains well into their mid-20s – and regular contact can help identify potential issues. The sooner families seek help, the better. More information may be found at www.nedic.ca