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Advice and support for people with eating disorders this Christmas

Solent NHS Trust is helping friends and family of people with eating disorders to support their loved ones during the Christmas period, which often presents huge challenges.

At a time when gatherings, television and shops are heavily focused on eating and consumption, those who face physical and mental health issues related to food and hydration can feel completely overwhelmed, often desperately want to disengage from celebrations.

Alex Millham, Eating Disorder Team Lead for Solent’s Portsmouth Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), thinks the most important thing to do is plan ahead with any conversation. Alex said: “Your loved one is unlikely to enjoy Christmas if the main focus is on food. Although your Christmas may look different, by changing the focus you’ll reduce anxiety. You may decide to have a more low-key Christmas, seeing fewer people, and this can help too. New activities, like a long family walk, or a movie afternoon, may become the new tradition.”

Among other top tips from the service, is to change the conversation. Alex states that using phrases, such as “I must diet next year” and “I shouldn’t have eaten all that” can easily put the pressure on. Having a conversation strategy is important. Try having a code word, so your loved one can tell you when they need support. Think up some useful phrases, such as “Could we change the subject”.

Alex also highlights the importance of being kind to yourself, He added: “It is a stressful time for carers of people with an eating disorder and they must look after themselves too. Reaching out for help if your family member is struggling is absolutely the right thing to do.”

Along with Solent’s CAMHS Team, there is additional support available. If you or a family member are struggling with an eating disorder, please reach out for support from the people around you. BEAT, the eating disorder charity, mans helplines 365 days a year, from 9am until 8pm during the week, and 4pm until 8pm on weekends and bank holidays. Their number is 0808 801 0677.

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)

Please visit our services page for specific services and contact details. Alternatively, contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service by emailing or calling the number below. You can also give us feedback, make a complaint or share a compliment.

pals@solent.nhs.uk

0800 013 2319

*Lines are open Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm.

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The Act sets out exemptions to that right and places certain obligations on public authorities.

Email: InformationGovernanceTeam@solent.nhs.uk

Phone: 0300 123 3919

*Subject to any exemptions which apply, we are obliged to provide the information requested please note that requests for Personal Information is not covered under this Act and should be applied for through the Data Protection Act 1998.

Our administrative and managerial centre is based in Southampton.

While our services can be found around various NHS locations in Southampton and Portsmouth (and surrounding districts), our administrative and managerial centre is based in Southampton at:

Highpoint Venue
Bursledon Road
Southampton
SO19 8BR

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Central office phone: 0300 123 3390

*Lines open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

If you are a journalist with a media enquiry, please contact the Communications Team at:

communications@solent.nhs.uk

0300 123 4156 or 02381 031076

The Communications Office is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.