How can you help if someone you know has an eating disorder?
7 December 2021 at 8:09 am
In episode five of our podcast How Can I Help?, we get advice on what to do if you think someone you know is experiencing an eating disorder.
Eating disorders can come in all shapes and sizes. They are widely misunderstood and grossly underestimated by the public. But, over a million Australians are currently living with an eating disorder.
Of those with eating disorders, 47 per cent have binge eating disorder, 12 per cent have bulimia nervosa, 3 per cent have anorexia nervosa and 38 per cent have other eating disorders, such as purging disorder or rumination disorder, which involves the regular regurgitation of undigested food.
Contrary to what some people may think, eating disorders are not a lifestyle choice, nor are they a cry for attention.
They’re actually serious and potentially life-threatening mental illnesses. But, what do you do if you know someone who is living with an eating disorder?
In this episode of How Can I Help? we speak with Korey Baruta, about her experience of anorexia nervosa. We also hear from Danni Rowlands, the national manager of prevention services at the Butterfly Foundation, to find out the best ways to help.
Listen below or find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast app.
You can read a transcript of this episode here.
If you or someone you know is in crisis please contact emergency services on 000, or call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.
If you need help or support for an eating disorder or body image issue, please call Butterfly’s National Helpline on 1800 334 673, or email support@butterfly.org.au.
You can find more information about how to support both yourself and your loved one at the Butterfly Foundation website.
How Can I Help? Is a podcast for people who want to help, but don’t know where to start.
Hosted by Pro Bono News editor Wendy Williams, the six-part series features conversations with people with lived experience and experts in the field on what we can do to help in situations that we might encounter at some point in our lives – whether that’s when you see someone sleeping rough, if you think a friend or colleague is in an abusive relationship, or if a family member is suffering from depression.
Find out more at probonoaustralia.com.au/how-can-i-help/.
