By:
Heather Borch
Alexis Brightwell
Melanie Szalontai

Support

Steps in voicing your concern to a loved one:
  1. Be direct, and identify the signs and symptoms that you have been observing. E.g. “You have lost a significant amount of weight lately, and you have not been acting like yourself.” However, it is important to convey your message with care and compassion. In addition, make it clear that you want to help the individual.
  2. Be ready, because in most cases the individual will be angry or uninterested in your help. In this case, suggest community resources.
  3. Do not try to be a therapist, or help the individual keep signs and symptoms a secret. Eating disorders usually require professional help, so do not feel disheartened if you are unsuccessful in helping your loved one.
  4. The key is to listen, and try to be as understanding as possible. (Eating Disorder Education Organization, 2003)

Where to get help-for eating disorders:

B.C. Children's Hospital - Youth Clinic
3644 Slocan St.
Vancouver, BC
604-434-3522
The youth clinic is focused on serving as a provincial referral centre for adolescents with eating disorder problems.

Day Programs

Hospitals with psychiatric day programs that accept patients with eating disorders:
  • Kelowna General, Kelowna
  • Matsqui-Sumas-Abbotsford, Abbotsford
  • St. Paul's, Vancouver

InPatient

Several hospitals accept patients with the primary diagnosis of an eating disorder. Those listed below offer special skills in assessment and treatment:
  • BC Children's Hospital
  • Kelowna General Hospital, Kelowna
  • St. Paul's, Vancouver
  • Royal Jubilee - Eric Martin Pavilion, Victoria

OutPatient

Clinics with a specific interest in patients with eating disorders: BC Children's Hospital/Youth Clinic, Vancouver
St. Paul's, Vancouver


Private Practitioners

Many registered professionals accept private patient referrals. The following professional organizations offer lists of referral resources:
  • College of Psychologists of BC - 604-877-1454
  • BC Association of Social Workers - 604-876-9535
  • BC College of Physicians & Surgeons - 604-733-7758
  • BC Dietitians' & Nutritionists' Association - 604-736-7331
  • Registered Nurses' Association of BC - 604-736-7331

Support Groups

ANAD (Canadian Association of Anorexia Nervosa & Associated Disorders)
Offers support group services and informational material. For information, call 604-684-2623 (Vancouver).

BCEDA (British Columbia Eating Disorders Association)
Offers support group services, information and referral services.
For information call 250-383-2755 (Victoria).

Some other communities offer professionallly led support groups, including Surrey (604-584-5811) and Cranbrook (250-426-1400). Contact your local health unit or mental healthy centre.

The Vancouver Anti-Anorexia Anti-Bulimia League
207-1168 Hamilton Street
Vancouver, BC
V6B 2S2
They run a support group, publish a newsletter and often hold conferences. This is an excellent group to become involved in.

http://sea-to-sky.net/youth/eatingdisorders.html