Understanding Eating Disorders: A Guide for Families, Young People, and Professionals

Synopsis

Eating disorders can be a frightening and isolating experience for everyone involved. This book serves as a compassionate and informative guide, designed to help families, young people, and frontline professionals understand, respond to, and feel less alone in the face of these serious mental health conditions. Moving beyond common misconceptions, it clarifies what eating disorders are, how they develop, and the vital importance of early intervention. The core message is that an eating disorder is not a choice or a behavioural issue, but a complex condition often rooted in anxiety, perfectionism, and trauma, requiring understanding and support, not shame. For parents and carers, this guide offers reassurance that they are not to blame and provides practical tools, scripts, and frameworks to support re-feeding, manage distress, and maintain a strong relationship with their child. Young people struggling with their relationship with food and their body will find a non-judgmental space to understand their experiences and know they are not broken. Frontline professionals, including GPs and school staff, will find grounded advice on early detection, medical risk assessment, and effective, collaborative communication with families. With themes of hope, the possibility of recovery, and the power of a team approach, this book aims to be a calm, honest companion, guiding you through the journey towards healing.