Understanding Eating Disorders: Family
(24-hour)
What are eating disorders
Eating disorders are mental health conditions that involve extreme and continuous
unhealthy eating patterns, which can deeply affect our physical and mental
well-being.
People with eating disorders can be of any weight and body
size.
Although symptoms are more commonly seen among younger women,
eating disorders can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background.
The three main types are Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge Eating
Disorder.
As a parent or caregiver, you are often the first to notice
your child is struggling. Eating disorders are conditions that can affect one's
health, understanding this is key in supporting them.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Seeking professional support is the first step towards recovery. Eating disorders are diagnosed through physical and psychological evaluations, giving medical professionals a full picture of your health so you can get the right support.
Treatment
Treatment for eating disorders often combines medical care, psychotherapy, and counselling to support both physical and emotional recovery. Care is tailored to each person’s needs and may involve a multidisciplinary team (e.g. psychiatrist, social worker and dietitian). As a caregiver, you may also be involved through family therapy or counselling to better support them.
Treatment
Medical care
Medical care focuses on restoring physical health through nutritional support, monitoring, and treatment when needed.
Counselling
Counselling helps individuals understand their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours to support recovery and a healthier relationship with food.
Inpatient care
In some situations, hospital care may be needed if an eating disorder has led to serious physical health risks or severe psychological and behavioural concerns.
How you can
support your
loved
one
You might start to feel concerned if your family member often skips meals, eats large amounts quickly, exercises excessively, or if something just feels “off.” Here are a few ways you can help.
How you can
support
your
loved one
Preparing Yourself
Learn how to build your own understanding of eating disorders so you can be a steady, informed anchor for your loved one.
Starting the Conversation
Learn how to ask open, respectful questions, invite them to share, and offer a listening ear without judgment or assumptions.
Having the Conversation
Find guidance on shifting the focus away from food, weight, or appearance, and prioritizing meaningful emotional check-ins.
Offering Support
Explore ways to support their ongoing treatment, practise patience through emotional recovery, and keep them connected to daily life.
Support for Eating Disorders
Singapore (SEDS)
Call 6321 4377
Email eatingdisorders@sgh.com.sg
Caregivers Support Centre
(Caregiver Alliance
Limited, CAL)
Call 6388 8631
Club HEAL
Email info@clubheal.org.sg
Institute of Mental Health
KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital Nutrition & Dietetics
Level 1, Women’s Tower (inside Patient Education Centre)
Call 6294 4050 to make an appointment.
First Stop for Mental Health
Not sure whom to reach out to? You can approach any of these First Stop for Mental Health. They can help identify your mental health needs, provide brief support, and guide you to the most suitable services:
(24-hour)
Alternatively, you can click here to explore mental health resources and services located near you.
