For Siblings

When a person develops an eating disorder, it can result in great frustration and distress for brothers and sisters as they deal with their own emotions in seeing somebody they love struggle.

Siblings may struggle with the disruption to the regular family routine which often occurs when a treatment program is in place. Mealtimes can become disrupted, which may have an impact on siblings’ eating behaviour. It is important for parents and siblings alike to be mindful of their own attitude towards food and ensure they maintain a regular, healthy eating pattern.

Below are a few tips for siblings of somebody with an eating disorder.

Do Not Blame Yourself

Accept that your sibling’s illness is not your fault.

Get Educated

Educate yourself about the type of eating disorder your sibling has, in particular the behavioural changes they might experience. It is better to know the facts of the illness and have a good understanding of what the coming weeks and months may be like. Information can be obtained from Eating Disorders Victoria, your local GP or Community Health Centre, books or expert websites online.

Understanding Your Sibling

Know your brother or sister is very distressed and confused and even though they might not say or show it, they have not stopped caring about you.

Realise it is the eating disorder that makes your sibling grumpy, moody, angry and hurtful and that it’s not really the person saying or behaving in that way. The eating disorder can override rational behaviour and limit your sibling’s normal (old) behaviours.

Talk To Your Friends

Talk to your friends, parents or a loved relative (perhaps your grandmother, or an aunty) about your feelings and your fears.

Seek Support

Attending Family and Friends Support Groups or calling the Eating Disorders Helpline can be helpful. To learn more about the support services provided by Eating Disorders Victoria please click here.

Continue Doing The Things You Enjoy Together

Try to continue normal sibling activities that you shared before your sibling became ill.

Respect that it may be difficult for your sibling to talk about what they’re going through. Let them know there is no time limit on your support and you’re happy to listen and be there whenever they feel ready.

Enjoy time away from the home environment to recharge and do ‘normal’ activities. It is also important to not let your sibling’s illness dominate your thoughts all of the time. As hard as this is, reassure yourself that your sibling will be okay while you’re spending some time to yourself.

Seek Professional Help

Consider seeking professional help for yourself to talk about what you may be feeling and experiencing. You may like to talk to a school welfare worker, a psychologist or a counsellor. By talking to someone you may think about things in a different way. Trained professionals can empower you with skills to better deal with situations.

These have been sourced from the Eating Disorders Victoria fact sheet entitled Eating Disorders and Your Sibling, please click here to download the full document.

Websites and Online Support

The following links are places specifically for siblings which can be helpful in sourcing information and support which may help you better understand and cope with your situation:

-Siblings Australia – services for brothers and sisters of children with a special need or chronic illness. www.siblingsaustralia.org.au

-Something Fishy – a message board and chat room designed for siblings of a person with an eating disorder. www.something-fishy.org/online/familyfriends.php

Last revision date: Wednesday, 25 January 2012 14:49