Self-harm, Eating Disorders & Body Dysmorphia for Parents & Carers

Self-harm, Eating Disorders and Body Dysmorphia

This event is for parents and carers in East and West Sussex and Brighton & Hove. We are also holding events for professionals; please see our Eventbrite listing for details.

Self-harm commonly occurs alongside an eating disorder as it can appear to provide an immediate way to relieve the overwhelming emotions that come with an eating disorder. Self-harm can appear at any stage of treatment or recovery – before or at diagnosis, shortly after admission to inpatient care or in the later stages of recovery – and often arises during transition stages. Whenever it appears, there is no doubt that self-harm is challenging for all those supporting a young person with their eating disorder.

This session will consider:

• The relationship between eating disorders, body dysmorphia and self-harm
• What is self-harm and why do young people with eating disorders adopt this as a coping strategy?
• How to approach a young person with an eating disorder if you think they are self-harming
• How to respond if a young person with an eating disorder tells you they are self-harming
• Understanding the cycle of change and responding accordingly
• Resisting the urge to 'fix it' – why just telling them to stop is unlikely to be effective
• Seeking help for a young person with an eating disorder and their family
• Awareness of medical risks and emergency first aid
• Harm minimisation techniques
• Tolerating the distress of setbacks

Register now to reserve your place!