Early support key for eating disorders, local dietitian says – PortageOnline.com

Southern Health–Santé Sud is reminding the community about resources and support available for people living with eating disorders and disordered eating. The region’s health programs continue to focus on prevention, early intervention, and education, says Carly Gabler, a chronic disease dietitian with Southern Health–Santé Sud.

“Our primary care and public health programs continually provide care in the prevention, education, and support of those who are at risk or living with an eating disorder,” notes Gabler.

Youth services in Portage la Prairie

Gabler adds that young people in the area have local options for help.

“One example locally in Portage or Prairie is we have the PCI Teen Clinic. It’s staffed with a nurse practitioner and other health professionals where youth aged 12 to 21 can seek support if they’re struggling with their mental health, body acceptance, or their relationship with food,” says Gabler.

She continues that additional resources are available online.

“On the Southern Health Santé Sud website under Healthy Living Community Updates, there are links to information from the National Eating Disorder Information Centre, which includes some great resources on this topic,” adds Gabler.

Trends and prevention

Hospitalizations for eating disorders have increased nationally since the pandemic, highlighting the need for early support, notes Gabler.

“There has been some research showing that since the pandemic, Canada has seen a significant increase in hospitalizations for eating disorders. This really stresses the importance of prevention, screening, and early intervention and supports for those who are living with eating disorders or disordered eating,” says Gabler.

Gabler remarks that Southern Health offers a step-by-step approach to care.

“The first step is always to meet with the primary care provider to get a proper assessment and diagnosis. Then referrals can always be made to different programs, whether that’s in the community locally or specialized sites in the province,” says Gabler.

Multidisciplinary support and education

Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions, and a team-based approach is key, continues Gabler.

“It’s really important to support clients impacted by eating disorders with a multidisciplinary team of providers who can lead a client to recovery,” says Gabler.

Dietitians also offer group classes called Empowered Eating, she adds.

“These classes really dive deep into our relationship with food and help clients to reject diet culture and diet mentality,” says Gabler.

Key messages for families and friends

Early intervention is crucial, and anyone struggling should seek help, Gabler notes.

“Eating disorders and disordered eating are very serious mental health conditions that can affect anyone at any age. So if someone is struggling with different aspects of eating, it’s really important to seek out supports early. Recovery from an eating disorder or disordered eating is possible, but it can be a very long and complex process. As healthcare professionals or family and friends, we would want to always lead with compassion and understanding,” says Gabler.

She adds that signs can look different for everyone.

“Just having a conversation and then again always getting the primary care provider involved early on, too, would be advantageous,” she says.

Canadian Eating Disorder Awareness Week ran from February 1 to 7.

– with files from Maryssa McFadden