Contact
If you are concerned that you or a loved one may have an eating disorder, please reach out to your health care provider for support as soon as possible. Earlier access to help is shown to improve treatment outcomes / chances of recovery.
What to expect from your primary care team to support eating disorder recovery:
- Routine check-ins with your Doctor/Nursing team to monitor your physical health
- Routine check-ins with your Registered Dietitian to monitor your Nutritional status
- Routine check-ins with your Mental Health Counsellor or a private therapist to support your mental health
- Consultations with a psychiatrist on an as-needed basis, depending on complexity of mental health and eating disorder status
- Support in accessing appropriate community resources, or HFHT groups
What you can do to prepare for your visit:
- Come prepared to discuss progress and roadblocks to progress
- Attend scheduled visits and reschedule if unable to make it, even last minute.
- If interested, you may complete the guide for discussing your concerns or your child’s concerns with your primary care provider
Community counselling and group supports
Counselling and groups for children, youth and caregivers include:
- Danielle's Place offers free groups and online support programming for youth aged 8-17 eating and body image related issues. They also offer supports for caregivers and siblings. Check out their website for information on their programs and how to register.
- Change Creates Change offers a free drop-in group for parents supporting a loved one with an eating disorder, a free webinar for parents worried their child may have an eating disorder, as well as videos and articles on related topics.
Counselling supports for adults include:
- Body Brave offers free virtual drop-in and treatment groups for those aged 17+, and a recovery support program with self-help resources and peer support through Eating Disorders Nova Scotia.
- Sheena’s Place offers free virtual and in-person (Toronto) body image, skill-building, expressive arts, nutrition and support groups. Register online.
- St. Joseph’s Healthcare and Body Brave created a self-assessment tool to help you determine what type of treatment you may benefit from, and an outline of treatment options in Ontario using a stepped care model (from least to most intensive).
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The HFHT and St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton created a document to help you prepare for upcoming treatment programs. You can use this document on your own or with your Registered Dietitian or Mental Health Counsellor.
Educational resources and online supports
For general information on eating disorders and related topics:
- National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC) is a Canadian organization that provides helpful information on eating disorders. They also have a find a provider tool that helps you find providers that in your area that specialize in eating disorders, as well as a helpline to answer any questions.
- National Initiative for Eating Disorders (NIED) also provides helpful information on eating disorders and Canadian support options, including their list of Pan-Canadian Eating Disorder Support Groups.
- Eating and Body Image Disorders Resources available at the Hamilton Public Library that were recommended by psychologists and researchers at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton
For caregiver resources on meal support and related topics
- Feed your Instinct – A resource for caregivers with concerns that their child may be developing an unhealthy relationship with food, weight or body
- Eva Musby – The set-up for success free help sheets for carers
- Maudsley Approach – Skills and techniques to support carers and families
- Kelty Mental Health – Parent’s Guide, Meal Support at a Glance and more
- McMaster Children’s Hospital Patient Education Library offers resources for families awaiting more intensive treatment including “Helping manage mealtime stress” and information about “Family-based therapy.”
For resources on Body Image Distress:
- CEED – Tip sheet for carers around body image distress
- More Love – Body image resources and a guide for carers
- Association for Size Diversity and Health resources on HAES, related topics
- The Body is not an Apology free e-course for adults, resources and more
- CCI Break Free from ED free workbook
If you are looking for other resource options, including helpful books, podcasts and websites, check out the following: