For crisis support call Lifeline on 13 11 14, MH Call 1300 642 255 or in an emergency call 000
A person who provides regular care and support with the activities of daily life for someone experiencing an eating disorder, either in an unpaid (e.g. family) or paid (e.g. support worker) role
As a carer or key support person for someone experiencing an eating disorder, you’re an important part of their care team. Increasing your understanding about eating disorders, learning new skills and strategies around communication, and managing your own emotions and expectations can assist you to effectively support your loved one and maintain your own wellbeing.
There are information resources, workshops, coaching and mentoring, practical assistance and support groups available for carers and supporters.
You may provide support to a family member, friend or someone you know but not think of yourself as their ‘carer’.
A carer or key support person can be anyone who provides regular care and support for someone experiencing an eating disorder. This might be an unpaid or informal role such as caring for a family member, partner or friend. You might also be supporting someone in a paid role if you are a support worker.
Information resources tailored for carers and key supports will cover types of eating disorders, signs of an eating disorder, types of services and supports available, navigating the system, and how you can support someone with an eating disorder.
As well as information resources, many services will offer online and/or in-person training workshops or coaching sessions specifically for carers to help them in their role.
Organisations may offer carer ‘peer’ support—connecting you with someone who has lived experience caring for a loved one with an eating disorder.
As a carer or key support person for someone with an eating disorder, you may want to learn more about eating disorders or how you can support them. You may also want to access support or assistance to maintain your own wellbeing.
Eating Disorders Queensland (EDQ) provides a range of support programs and resources for carers and key supporters.
Eating Disorders Families Australia (EDFA) is a national organisation providing support and education for carers and families impacted by eating disorders. EDFA’s website offers information, seminars, carer stories, support groups and social media forums. To join the support groups, you need to be an EDFA member for a small yearly membership fee.
The Butterfly Foundation provides information, online programs and support groups for those caring for someone with an eating disorder.
Online training and other tools tailored for carers and key supports are available through:
These organisations provide support for carers that is not specific to eating disorders.
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia, their diversity, histories and knowledge and their continuing connections to land, waterways and culture. We pay our respect to all Australian Indigenous Peoples and their cultures, and to Elders of past, present and future generations.
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia, their diversity, histories and knowledge and their continuing connections to land, waterways and culture. We pay our respect to all Australian Indigenous Peoples and their cultures, and to Elders of past, present and future generations.
Brisbane North PHN wishes to acknowledge the experience and expertise of the My Mental Health Steering Committee, delegates of the Peer Participation in Mental Health Services (PPIMS) network and health professionals in developing the My Mental Health Website.
