Supporting Siblings & Self

In this weeks episode, Han is joined by Bella Maki. Bella holds a weekly sibling support group, further to her sisters recovery from anorexia nervosa. Bella joins us today to discuss the impact of a sibling having an eating disorder, the support that is available, and how you as a sibling can help you loved one.

We start by discussing the impact that her sister's diagnosis had on Bella, and how as the oldest child she took on the role of looking after her younger brother.

We discuss the things that Bella's family did to ensure the eating disorder didn't become centralised in their family, how they made decisions so the eating disorder wasn't comfortable, and separated their loved one from the eating disorder.

We also discuss how Bella found support for herself, what helped their family to remain as a unit, and the support that is now out there for siblings supporting a loved one.

For more information, you can follow Bella at @bellamaki24 and you can contact her about joining her sibling support group if you are interested!

Bella also suggested the following for sibling/family resources:

• https://www.feast-ed.org

• https://equip.health

• Brave girl eating - Harriet Brown (book)