Letter #1

Having a sibling with an eating disorder can be a heavy burden; it affects you as well as them. Patience, hope and some positive encouragement through letters, notes and being affirming and loving is really beneficial, even though you may not understand what’s going on in their thoughts and lives. Even if it doesn’t make sense to you, keep encouraging them in who they are and support them to engage in other positive things and hobbies, other than their body and health.

I found it difficult at times to be a strong support, however what I found helpful was to act normal in these times and to focus on common interests that we could converse about or do together, and let the professionals and parents focus on the eating disorder and journey…be the fun one.