Anorexia and Bulimia in the Family - (Family Matters) by Gráinne Smith (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Written by a mother whose daughter suffers from an eating disorder, Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa is a supportive, helpful guide for families of those with eating disorders. Framed by the personal story of Gráinne Smith and her daughter, the book describes the onset and symptoms of the two disorders, as well as the typical situations family and caregivers can expect on the long road to helping the sufferer to recover. Readers will learn about the effects on family life, in particular the common feelings of isolation and helplessness, and get strategies for coping and finding more information and assistance.

From the Back Cover

"Nine years ago my daughter came home after an abusive marriage and developed Anorexia, yet did not recognise she was ill. It was the beginning of a living nightmare."

Anorexia and Bulimia in the Family: One Parent's Guide to Recovery is the first supportive self-help guide written by a carer for other carers. This is the book Gráinne Smith searched for without success, as she battled against the wall of rejection and denial her daughter's illness built around her, determined not to allow her to be one of the 20 per cent who die.

It is her personal story that proves that these house guests can be evicted. But it is more than that. It is also a practical guide with many tips and suggestions, including how to deal with eating, kitchen and bathroom issues, how to manage dramatic changes in mood behaviour and personality, how to get the best from professional help, and how to survive as a family.Gráinne Smith knows there are no easy answers. She has researched the subject through world-leading authorities, worked as a volunteer and on a helpline. She is a mother who has lived through the nightmare, and so has her daughter.

Review Quotes

"...February also sees the launch of a book of practical advice for parents by Grainne Smith... (Community Practitioner, 1 Jan 04)

"...invaluable reading for any relative trying to support someone suffering from anorexia or bulimia..." (Independent, 19 January 2003)

"...a welcome practical guide for parents...can be warmly recommended..." (Intl Jnl of Adolescent Med & Health, Vol 16(2), 2004

"...offers vital support and advice to a family coping with, or recovering from, eating disorders..." (Here's Health, April 2004)

"... this is a very readable book, with a skilful interweaving of the author's own story and suggestions and advice..." (Eating Disorders Resources, 4 May 2004)

"...practical suggestions and ideas for coping..." (Human Givens Journal, July 04)

About the Author

Gráinne Smith has worked for several years on the Eating Disorder Association helpline as a volunteer, putting to good use her training and experience as a former Samaritan. During that time she has spoken to hundreds of carers and sufferers as well as to many professionals.
A founder member, now chairperson, of NEEDS Scotland (North East Eating Disorder Support) and a member of the Mental Health group that developed the Scottish Executive Health Department framework document for eating disorders services in Scotland, she has also taken part in Mental Health and Well-being Support Group visits to health boards and presented a petition on eating disorders to the Scottish Executive. She currently works to raise awareness of how poor mental health affects whole families while good mental health underpins physical well-being.
During a long career in primary education, including nine years as head teacher of Fyvie Nursery and Primary School, Aberdeenshire, she enjoyed working with whole families and children aged from 3 to 12. As a writer, Gráinne has had short stories and poems published in magazines and anthologies; while working with Grampian Region she helped write and present courses for teachers and head teachers; she has also written many educational materials including coordinating and contributing to the pack ''Fyvie Castle - Its Life and Legends''.