EATING DISORDERS
What is an Eating Disorder?
An eating disorder is a sickness. It means that Travellers who have an eating disorder do things to control how much they are eating either by throwing up after meals or not eating at all.
Travellers who have an eating disorder become obsessed about food and their weight and it is very serious. This can affect Travellers of all ages. Some of the most common eating disorders are:
- Anorexia
- Bulimia
- Binge eating
WHAT CAN I DO IF I THINK A YOUNG TRAVELLER IN MY FAMILY HAS AN EATING DISORDER?
It is very important to go to the GP if you are worried about your child. There are a number of services for young people with eating disorders.
The GP will refer your child to the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) for help if they think that CAMHS can help.
The organisation BodyWhys is also a good source of support. BodyWhys is an Irish organisation that gives information and support to people about eating disorders and how to manage them. BodyWhys Ireland have a good resource for parents and advise parents to:
- Read or listen to information you can find about eating disorders.
- Look for support groups that can give you more information.
- Speak to your family doctor if you have specific medical concerns.
- If you know of someone else who has been through this experience, speak with them and ask their advice
- Contact your local Traveller Primary Health Care Worker for advice on who to speak to as well.
Services and Supports
Supports & Services
For more information on eating disorders read this resource that BodyWhys has written for parents and contact BodyWhys at www.bodywhys.ie