Families of people with eating disorders get new carer support program

Battered, broken, and isolated families of Australians with an eating disorder will now have access to the country’s first in-depth carer support program.

Battered, broken and isolated families of Australians with an eating disorder will now have access to the country’s first in-depth carer support program.

Created by InsideOut Institute for Eating Disorders, the Support ED program will teach carers about the early signs of the illness which impacts 1.25 million Australians and provides information on treatment options, avoiding conflict and burn out.

“The role of carers can be all-consuming, demanding and unrelenting. Carers often experience feelings of isolation, lack of education and support, and their own mental health concerns,” psychologist Rachel Simeone said.

Miss Universe Australia NSW finalist Anneliese Zanchetta has battled an eating disorder Picture: Sam Ruttyn

“Recovery from an eating disorder is a long-term process, lasting on average for one to six years. The financial implications of treatment and needing to give up work to be there for your loved one can be staggering.”

Merril Bohn and Rohan Wastell know the weight of caring for a person with an eating disorder all too well.

The couple’s now 22-year-old daughter has recovered from anorexia nervosa after being diagnosed with the illness at 16.

“The hardest part was the changes you see in your child. She was always talented, artistic, and funny. She always had anxiety, but seeing the aggression, and nastiness that comes out. Some of the things she’s said to us and done to us and to her sister she doesn’t even remember,” Ms Bohn said.

“The eating disorder would use anything to manipulate and split us from our goal of looking after her. You don’t want to tell people what’s happening in your home because its horrendous and you don’t want anyone to think ill of your lovely child.”

The couple said they wished such resources were available when they were trying to help Claire get support.

“You feel really guilty to look after yourself (as a parent) but the course gives you a green light to look after yourself. It talks a lot about self-care,” Ms Bohn said.

“Having that insight on what to expect is so important and it wasn’t around for us,” Mr Wastell said.

Claire added she is grateful that help is available for those who have been through similar circumstances as her family.

“The whole time my parents didn’t know how to respond and I just pushed them away. It’s a very tense relationship that you have and it becomes really uncomfortable at home,” she said.

Claire Wastell pictured with her parents Rohan Wastell and Merril Bohn in Camperdown. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Claire Wastell suffered from anorexia. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Former Miss Universe Australia Finalist Anneliese Zanchetta is a major advocate for the program after seeing her parents, Andrew and Amanda, support her after she developed an eating disorder at just 10-years-old.

“My family is the reason I survived. Eating disorders impact everyone around you. During the height of the illness, I was a tough person to handle,” she said.

“I think my dad felt it the most. He had to quit his job to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner with me. He’d even park outside my school so we could share meals together.”

The program is available for free for the first three months to anyone who agrees to take part in a major evaluation study being conducted by the institute.

NSW Health has also backed the project to provide free access to all carers in NSW once the study is completed.