In this episode of ‘Let’s Talk’, Yvie dives into a meaningful conversation about body image and eating disorders, specifically within multicultural communities. Despite the pervasive nature of eating disorders across backgrounds, unique cultural and linguistic barriers can often amplify the challenges for those seeking support and understanding.

Yvie is joined by two courageous women who share their experiences navigating cultural expectations and stigma; the discussion highlights barriers to accessing healthcare and the unique challenges these communities face. Psychologist Anila Azhar from Glebe Point Road Psychology adds insight into the importance of culturally sensitive care, addressing common challenges professionals face in treating diverse patients and offering strategies to improve support for individuals from varied cultural backgrounds.

Resources:


Butterfly National Helpline: 1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE)


Chat online


Download your personalised support script to take to your GP here.


Find professionals screened for their understanding of eating disorders here.


Additional resourcescan be found here

Connect

Follow Yvie Jones on Instagram here

Follow Butterfly Foundation on Instagram here

Learn more about Anila Azahar and her practice here

Production Team:


Produced by Yvie Jones and Annette Staglieno from Classic Me Productions


Executive Producer: Camilla Becket


Supported by the Waratah Education Foundation

For more information about this episode, visit butterfly.org.au/podcast and click through to this episode.

Next Steps:

If you're concerned about an eating disorder for yourself or someone you care about, please reach out to the Butterfly National Helpline or chat online with one of their specialist counsellors. Remember, it's okay to seek a second opinion if you feel misunderstood. Recovery is possible with the right support.

In this episode of ‘Let’s Talk’, Yvie dives into a meaningful conversation about body image and eating disorders, specifically within multicultural communities. Despite the pervasive nature of eating disorders across backgrounds, unique cultural and linguistic barriers can often amplify the challenges for those seeking support and understanding.
Yvie is joined by two courageous women who share their experiences navigating cultural expectations and stigma; the discussion highlights barriers to accessing healthcare and the unique challenges these communities face. Psychologist Anila Azhar from Glebe Point Road Psychology adds insight into the importance of culturally sensitive care, addressing common challenges professionals face in treating diverse patients and offering strategies to improve support for individuals from varied cultural backgrounds.
Resources:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<a href="https://butterfly.org.au/get-support/helpline/">Butterfly National Helpline</a>: 1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE)
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<a href="https://butterfly.org.au/get-support/chat-online/">Chat online</a>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Download your personalised support script to take to your GP <a href="https://butterfly.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/24036_Butterfly_Design_KindlyDont_GPsupportScript_WEB_RGB-A4-72dpi-FA.pdf">here</a>.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Find professionals screened for their understanding of eating disorders <a href="https://events.butterfly.org.au/Portal/ReferralSearch/TreatmentServices">here</a>.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Additional resources can be found <a href="https://butterfly.org.au/resources/">here</a>
</li>
</ul>
Connect
Follow Yvie Jones on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/yvie_jones/?hl=en">here</a>
Follow Butterfly Foundation on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thebutterflyfoundation/?hl=en">here</a>
Learn more about Anila Azahar and her practice <a href="https://www.glebepointroadpsychology.com.au/aboutus">here</a>
Production Team:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Produced by Yvie Jones and Annette Staglieno from Classic Me Productions
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Executive Producer: Camilla Becket
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Supported by the Waratah Education Foundation
</li>
</ul>
For more information about this episode, visit<a href="https://butterfly.org.au/podcast"> butterfly.org.au/podcast</a> and click through to this episode.
Next Steps:
If you're concerned about an eating disorder for yourself or someone you care about, please reach out to the Butterfly National Helpline or chat online with one of their specialist counsellors. Remember, it's okay to seek a second opinion if you feel misunderstood. Recovery is possible with the right support.

Voices From Multicultural Communities

In this episode of "Let's Talk," our new host, Yvie Jones, speaks with Dr. Preeya Alexander about the vital role of General Practitioners (GPs) in supporting patients with body image issues and eating disorders. Dr Preeya shares her unique insights into how GPs can build trust with their patients, collaborate with specialists, and navigate the challenges of treating eating disorders with sensitivity and care.

We learn how social media misinformation fueled Dr Preeya’s passion for addressing body image issues and eating disorders and explore the impact of unconscious bias in patient care, plus how GPs can recognise early warning signs by understanding key risk factors and symptoms. Dr Preeya also offers practical advice for GPs on approaching patients who may have eating disorders by using compassionate and culturally sensitive language to build trust. The goal is commitment to their recovery.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
Butterfly National Helpline: 1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE)
Free, confidential support from specialist counsellors.
Chat online
Support Script: Download your personalised support script to take to your GP here.
Butterfly Referral Database: Find professionals screened for their understanding of eating disorders here.

Follow Dr. Preeya Alexander:

Instagram: @doctor.preeya.alexander

Follow Yvie Jones:

Instagram: @Yvie_Jones

Production Team:
Produced by Yvie Jones and Annette Staglieno from Classic Me Productions
Executive Producer: Camilla Becket
Supported by the Waratah Education Foundation

For more information about this episode, visit butterfly.org.au/podcast and click through to this episode.

Next Steps:

If you're concerned about an eating disorder for yourself or someone you care about, please reach out to the Butterfly National Helpline or chat online with one of their specialist counsellors. Remember, it's okay to seek a second opinion if you feel misunderstood. Recovery is possible with the right support.

In this episode of "Let's Talk," our new host, Yvie Jones, speaks with Dr. Preeya Alexander about the vital role of General Practitioners (GPs) in supporting patients with body image issues and eating disorders. Dr Preeya shares her unique insights into how GPs can build trust with their patients, collaborate with specialists, and navigate the challenges of treating eating disorders with sensitivity and care.
We learn how social media misinformation fueled Dr Preeya’s passion for addressing body image issues and eating disorders and explore the impact of unconscious bias in patient care, plus how GPs can recognise early warning signs by understanding key risk factors and symptoms. Dr Preeya also offers practical advice for GPs on approaching patients who may have eating disorders by using compassionate and culturally sensitive language to build trust. The goal is commitment to their recovery.
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Butterfly National Helpline: 1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE)</li>
<li aria-level="1">Free, confidential support from specialist counsellors.</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://butterfly.org.au">Chat online</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Support Script: Download your personalised support script to take to your GP <a href="https://butterfly.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/24036_Butterfly_Design_KindlyDont_GPsupportScript_WEB_RGB-A4-72dpi-FA.pdf">here</a>.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Butterfly Referral Database: Find professionals screened for their understanding of eating disorders <a href="https://events.butterfly.org.au/Portal/ReferralSearch/TreatmentServices">here</a>.</li>
</ul>
Follow Dr. Preeya Alexander:
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/doctor.preeya.alexander/?hl=en">@doctor.preeya.alexander</a>
Follow Yvie Jones:
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/yvie_jones/?hl=en">@Yvie_Jones</a>
Production Team:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Produced by Yvie Jones and Annette Staglieno from Classic Me Productions</li>
<li aria-level="1">Executive Producer: Camilla Becket</li>
<li aria-level="1">Supported by the Waratah Education Foundation</li>
</ul>
For more information about this episode, visit<a href="https://butterfly.org.au/podcast"> butterfly.org.au/podcast</a> and click through to this episode.
Next Steps:
If you're concerned about an eating disorder for yourself or someone you care about, please reach out to the <a href="https://butterfly.org.au/get-support/helpline/">Butterfly National Helpline</a> or chat online with one of their specialist counsellors. Remember, it's okay to seek a second opinion if you feel misunderstood. Recovery is possible with the right support.

A GP’s guide to navigating Eating Disorders with compassion and care.

In today's digital age, young people are constantly bombarded with images and messages on social media that can deeply impact their wellbeing, including their body image. 

Navigating this landscape can be challenging, both for young people and the parents, carers, and educators who support them. How can we guide young people through the ever-evolving digital world? In this episode, three experts share their invaluable insights: 

Hannah Jarman, Research Fellow in the School of Psychology at Deakin University, explores the complex and far-reaching influences of social media on body image and eating disorders, shedding light on how these platforms can shape young minds. 

Cara Webber, from Education, Prevention and Inclusion at the eSafety Commissioner, discusses strategies for creating safer online experiences for young people and protecting them from online harms. 

Zoe Bradbury, Communications Specialist at Butterfly, shares her firsthand experiences with the harms of social media, having faced her own challenges with an eating disorder. Today, she works to improve online spaces by challenging myths and stereotypes and promoting kinder, more inclusive attitudes around bodies. 

Tune in as we discuss actionable techniques and skills that will empower anyone who supports young people online, and introduce BodyKind Online Education, a new, engaging eLearning program for Australian secondary schools developed by Butterfly in collaboration with other key experts. Whether you're a parent, educator, or caregiver, this episode is both a guide to BodyKind Online Education, as well as a tip-sheet to help you support the body image of the young people you love so they can have a more positive and safer experience online.

Find out more about body kind online education

This project was funded by the eSafety Commissioner’s Online Safety Grants Program.

In today's digital age, young people are constantly bombarded with images and messages on social media that can deeply impact their wellbeing, including their body image. 
Navigating this landscape can be challenging, both for young people and the parents, carers, and educators who support them. How can we guide young people through the ever-evolving digital world? In this episode, three experts share their invaluable insights: 
Hannah Jarman, Research Fellow in the School of Psychology at Deakin University, explores the complex and far-reaching influences of social media on body image and eating disorders, shedding light on how these platforms can shape young minds. 
Cara Webber, from Education, Prevention and Inclusion at the eSafety Commissioner, discusses strategies for creating safer online experiences for young people and protecting them from online harms. 
Zoe Bradbury, Communications Specialist at Butterfly, shares her firsthand experiences with the harms of social media, having faced her own challenges with an eating disorder. Today, she works to improve online spaces by challenging myths and stereotypes and promoting kinder, more inclusive attitudes around bodies. 
Tune in as we discuss actionable techniques and skills that will empower anyone who supports young people online, and introduce BodyKind Online Education, a new, engaging eLearning program for Australian secondary schools developed by Butterfly in collaboration with other key experts. Whether you're a parent, educator, or caregiver, this episode is both a guide to BodyKind Online Education, as well as a tip-sheet to help you support the body image of the young people you love so they can have a more positive and safer experience online.
<a href="https://butterfly.org.au/get-involved/campaigns/body-kind-online-education/">Find out more about body kind online education</a>
This project was funded by the eSafety Commissioner’s Online Safety Grants Program.

How Body Kind Online Education can transform your child’s online experience

The myth that eating disorders only affect women means there are still too many men who aren’t getting help.

While it’s great to see more women accepting and celebrating their bodies for the way they were born to be, body image issues and eating disorders are mental health issues that do not discriminate. The difference is that they often look different in men, who are more likely to over exercise, abuse muscle building substances and engage in unsustainable diets. In pursuit of a big, tall, muscular and lean ideal, destructive behaviours can easily lead to both physical problems and psycho-social distress.

Our guest, Alex Rodriguez, went through his own battle with eating and exercise, became an accredited dietitian, and now supports other men in recovery.

“Our worth as men, or as human beings, is not determined by what we look like, nor how we eat, nor how good we are at “insert name’ exercise,” he says. "Much of my work includes normalising and destigmatising mental health experiences. I just want the world to be a safer, less judgemental, more accepting place."

Listen to Alex on body ideals in relation to men, their experience of eating disorders, and how a sympathetic health professional can support a more genuine and sustainable health.


Find out more about Alex Rodriguez

Find a Health Professional

The myth that eating disorders only affect women means there are still too many men who aren’t getting help.
While it’s great to see more women accepting and celebrating their bodies for the way they were born to be, body image issues and eating disorders are mental health issues that do not discriminate. The difference is that they often look different in men, who are more likely to over exercise, abuse muscle building substances and engage in unsustainable diets. In pursuit of a big, tall, muscular and lean ideal, destructive behaviours can easily lead to both physical problems and psycho-social distress.
Our guest, Alex Rodriguez, went through his own battle with eating and exercise, became an accredited dietitian, and now supports other men in recovery.
“Our worth as men, or as human beings, is not determined by what we look like, nor how we eat, nor how good we are at “insert name’ exercise,” he says. "Much of my work includes normalising and destigmatising mental health experiences. I just want the world to be a safer, less judgemental, more accepting place."
Listen to Alex on body ideals in relation to men, their experience of eating disorders, and how a sympathetic health professional can support a more genuine and sustainable health. <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-rodriguez-4265311a0/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-rodriguez-4265311a0/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1722995898910000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3F8n09yrGzIvD6MF_8NDFe"></a>
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-rodriguez-4265311a0/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-rodriguez-4265311a0/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1722995898910000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3F8n09yrGzIvD6MF_8NDFe">Find out more about Alex Rodriguez</a>
<a href="https://butterfly.org.au/get-support/butterflys-referral-database/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://butterfly.org.au/get-support/butterflys-referral-database/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1722995898910000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3F_4eAYvD1NikPnFlhHnWF">Find a Health Professional</a>

Why are we red flagging men and their fitness goals?

There can be shame, guilt and fear attached to a struggle with one’s body or eating, not to mention confusion about whether you, or your loved one, may have a diagnosable or treatable problem. These are just some of the reasons why too many people don’t ask for help. It’s a pity, because talking to a professional can be life-changing. That’s why the Australian Government provides funding to the Butterfly National Helpline, a free and discreet information and support service available to anyone, anywhere in Australia. It's a safe space to connect with a trained counsellor; all you need is the courage to take that first step.

“You need somebody who understands how complex and multifaceted eating and body image-related struggles can be,” says Ayesha Khan, the Helpline’s Clinical Operations Lead. “Everyone is welcome to contact us with their questions or concerns. Typically, people experiencing an issue with their eating behaviours reach out, but it could also be their family members or friends. Many health professionals contact us too.

”We asked Ayesha to walk us through how to use the Helpline, what it can and cannot do, what help-seekers can expect when they connect, and her insider’s view of the service.

Tune in to our latest episode to discover how the Butterfly National Helpline can support you, your loved one, or your client.

Contact the Butterfly National Helpline

If you are in crisis contact Triple Zero

If you are in crisis, contact Lifeline

If you are a young person in crisis, contact Kids Helpline

There can be shame, guilt and fear attached to a struggle with one’s body or eating, not to mention confusion about whether you, or your loved one, may have a diagnosable or treatable problem. These are just some of the reasons why too many people don’t ask for help. It’s a pity, because talking to a professional can be life-changing. That’s why the Australian Government provides funding to the Butterfly National Helpline, a free and discreet information and support service available to anyone, anywhere in Australia. It's a safe space to connect with a trained counsellor; all you need is the courage to take that first step.
“You need somebody who understands how complex and multifaceted eating and body image-related struggles can be,” says Ayesha Khan, the Helpline’s Clinical Operations Lead. “Everyone is welcome to contact us with their questions or concerns. Typically, people experiencing an issue with their eating behaviours reach out, but it could also be their family members or friends. Many health professionals contact us too.
”We asked Ayesha to walk us through how to use the Helpline, what it can and cannot do, what help-seekers can expect when they connect, and her insider’s view of the service.
Tune in to our latest episode to discover how the Butterfly National Helpline can support you, your loved one, or your client.
<a href="https://butterfly.org.au/get-support/helpline/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://butterfly.org.au/get-support/helpline/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1721789246498000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1kCx3qku6lCPCMjW49Uua1">Contact the Butterfly National Helpline</a>
<a href="https://www.triplezero.gov.au/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.triplezero.gov.au/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1721789246498000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3jtPqD4ektKAuBo3I1SBWc">If you are in crisis contact Triple Zero</a>
<a href="https://www.lifeline.org.au/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.lifeline.org.au/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1721789246498000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2wBc3-sLyPdgSxr7g9Ns9Z">If you are in crisis, contact Lifeline</a>
<a href="https://kidshelpline.com.au/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://kidshelpline.com.au/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1721789246498000&amp;usg=AOvVaw09jioZQOosyfORHeCb7pJr">If you are a young person in crisis, contact Kids Helpline</a>

All you need to know about the Butterfly National Helpline

Carolyn Costin is one of the most well-known names in eating disorder recovery treatment. Her book, Eight Keys to Recovery from an Eating Disorder, is a pioneering work that was published more than a decade ago and is still regarded as a central text in the field.

Some people think of eating disorders in terms of addiction, with programs to actively get drugs, alcohol, and other addictions out of one’s life. The problem is you can’t do that with food: “You have to learn how to deal with it”, says Carolyn. “It's very different.”

Her eight keys provide insights and steps for facing the daunting task of recovery. From her own lived experience, and extensive work in the field, Carolyn clarifies the overarching topics for us to work through and come to the other side of this illness.

In fact, she's had a hand in numerous initiatives to progress full recovery throughout her career. She developed the first residential treatment centre in the United States that has been replicated in other countries, including Australia. She’s also training recovery coaches to address the very real gaps in care. Carolyn is perennially interesting, and her message of hope is always enlightening.

Read the 8 keys to recovery from an eating disorder

Learn more about Wandi Nerida residential treatment

Learn more about Carolyn Costin

Carolyn Costin is one of the most well-known names in eating disorder recovery treatment. Her book, Eight Keys to Recovery from an Eating Disorder, is a pioneering work that was published more than a decade ago and is still regarded as a central text in the field.
Some people think of eating disorders in terms of addiction, with programs to actively get drugs, alcohol, and other addictions out of one’s life. The problem is you can’t do that with food: “You have to learn how to deal with it”, says Carolyn. “It's very different.”
Her eight keys provide insights and steps for facing the daunting task of recovery. From her own lived experience, and extensive work in the field, Carolyn clarifies the overarching topics for us to work through and come to the other side of this illness.
In fact, she's had a hand in numerous initiatives to progress full recovery throughout her career. She developed the first residential treatment centre in the United States that has been replicated in other countries, including Australia. She’s also training recovery coaches to address the very real gaps in care. Carolyn is perennially interesting, and her message of hope is always enlightening.
<a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/Keys-Recovery-Eating-Disorder-Therapeutic/dp/0393706958">Read the 8 keys to recovery from an eating disorder</a>
<a href="https://wandinerida.org.au/">Learn more about Wandi Nerida residential treatment</a>
<a href="https://www.carolyn-costin.com/">Learn more about Carolyn Costin</a>

Updating the 8 Keys to Recovery with Carolyn Costin

Going through fertility treatment can be a nerve-wracking and sometimes demoralising experience. When it’s coupled with a past or current eating disorder, the whole process can be even more complicated.

Why? “Fertility difficulties and going through fertility treatment can increase the risk of an eating disorder, but also, eating disorders can impact fertility,” says National Eating Disorder Collaboration National Manager, Dr. Sarah Trobe.

The NEDC has a new program to help educate health professionals about these issues. It’s important because the intersection between those seeking fertility treatment and those with eating disorders is surprisingly high. Not enough health practitioners are yet aware of this.

“Up to 16% of those seeking fertility care are also experiencing a current eating disorder, which is much higher than the general population,” says Dr. Trobe. "And around 25% have a past lived experience.”

Listen to Dr. Trobe share up-to-the-minute learnings from NEDC’s work in this space and how health care professionals can identify risks and respond appropriately when needed. Importantly, Dr. Trobe also offers insights and tips for self-care around eating and body image for people in treatment, as well as for those thinking about starting the process.

Read Pregnancy: A Guide for Assessment and Referral

Access core skills training for fertility care and eating disorders 

Find out more about NEDC

Find out more about Dr Sarah Trobe

Going through fertility treatment can be a nerve-wracking and sometimes demoralising experience. When it’s coupled with a past or current eating disorder, the whole process can be even more complicated.
Why? “Fertility difficulties and going through fertility treatment can increase the risk of an eating disorder, but also, eating disorders can impact fertility,” says National Eating Disorder Collaboration National Manager, Dr. Sarah Trobe.
The NEDC has a new program to help educate health professionals about these issues. It’s important because the intersection between those seeking fertility treatment and those with eating disorders is surprisingly high. Not enough health practitioners are yet aware of this.
“Up to 16% of those seeking fertility care are also experiencing a current eating disorder, which is much higher than the general population,” says Dr. Trobe. "And around 25% have a past lived experience.”
Listen to Dr. Trobe share up-to-the-minute learnings from NEDC’s work in this space and how health care professionals can identify risks and respond appropriately when needed. Importantly, Dr. Trobe also offers insights and tips for self-care around eating and body image for people in treatment, as well as for those thinking about starting the process.
<a href="https://nedc.com.au/eating-disorder-resources/health-professionals">Read Pregnancy: A Guide for Assessment and Referral</a>
<a href="https://nedc.com.au/professional-development/elearning/eating-disorder-core-skills-elearning-for-fertility-care-professionals">Access core skills training for fertility care and eating disorders </a>
<a href="https://nedc.com.au/">Find out more about NEDC</a>
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-trobe-aa39b597/?originalSubdomain=au">Find out more about Dr Sarah Trobe</a>

In depth with Dr Sarah Trobe: Fertility, your body and eating concerns

A staggering ninety-five percent of young Australians aged between 12 and 18 are experiencing some level of body image concern, and more than half are unhappy with how their body looks. That’s according to Butterfly’s second Body Kind Youth Survey.

With body dissatisfaction playing a significant role in the development of eating disorders, it’s not surprising that this data makes sense in relation to Butterfly’s latest Paying the Price Report, which shows 27% of individuals with an eating disorder are aged 19 or younger.

It's quite clear there’s a problem, but what can we do? How can parents and caregivers reduce risk and support the individual young people they love?

In this episode of Let’s Talk, we invited our audience to submit their direct questions. Then we asked Helen Bird, Butterfly’s Education Manager and Lead on the Survey, to respond.

While acknowledging that it’s not always easy talking to teens, Helen delivered.

“We live in a society where body size matters,” she says. “And people are picking up very strong messages from a young age. It’s in the media, in books, in the toys that they're playing with.”

The trick is to focus on health-promoting behaviours, that is, ensuring that our teens are eating nutritious food, they’re moving regularly, they're getting enough sleep, they're practising self-care strategies, and that they have positive coping mechanisms. These are the things that contribute to our teens’ health and happiness; it's not necessarily about their shape and weight.

And if you are noticing signs of a problem? “Lean in with compassion and curiosity,” says Helen. “Talk about the things that you've noticed, but in terms of your young person’s feelings and moods. Again, try not to focus on weight or eating behaviours because that’s quite likely to be met with resistance.”

Tune in for more of Helen’s wise and empowering tips, even if you might have body image issues yourself. Working to heal your own relationship with your body is not only good for you but also for the people around you, including your teens.

Find out more about Butterfly's Body Kind Youth Survey Findings

Find out more about Butterfly's Body Kind Families

Find out more Butterfly's Education and Prevention Services

Find out more about our Paying the Price Report

Contact our Helpline

A staggering ninety-five percent of young Australians aged between 12 and 18 are experiencing some level of body image concern, and more than half are unhappy with how their body looks. That’s according to Butterfly’s second Body Kind Youth Survey.
With body dissatisfaction playing a significant role in the development of eating disorders, it’s not surprising that this data makes sense in relation to Butterfly’s latest Paying the Price Report, which shows 27% of individuals with an eating disorder are aged 19 or younger.
It's quite clear there’s a problem, but what can we do? How can parents and caregivers reduce risk and support the individual young people they love?
In this episode of Let’s Talk, we invited our audience to submit their direct questions. Then we asked Helen Bird, Butterfly’s Education Manager and Lead on the Survey, to respond.
While acknowledging that it’s not always easy talking to teens, Helen delivered.
“We live in a society where body size matters,” she says. “And people are picking up very strong messages from a young age. It’s in the media, in books, in the toys that they're playing with.”
The trick is to focus on health-promoting behaviours, that is, ensuring that our teens are eating nutritious food, they’re moving regularly, they're getting enough sleep, they're practising self-care strategies, and that they have positive coping mechanisms. These are the things that contribute to our teens’ health and happiness; it's not necessarily about their shape and weight.
And if you are noticing signs of a problem? “Lean in with compassion and curiosity,” says Helen. “Talk about the things that you've noticed, but in terms of your young person’s feelings and moods. Again, try not to focus on weight or eating behaviours because that’s quite likely to be met with resistance.”
Tune in for more of Helen’s wise and empowering tips, even if you might have body image issues yourself. Working to heal your own relationship with your body is not only good for you but also for the people around you, including your teens.
<a href="https://butterfly.org.au/get-involved/campaigns/youthsurveyfindings/">Find out more about Butterfly's Body Kind Youth Survey Findings</a>
<a href="https://butterfly.org.au/get-involved/campaigns/bodykindfamilies/">Find out more about Butterfly's Body Kind Families</a>
<a href="https://butterfly.org.au/school-youth-professionals/about-our-programs/">Find out more Butterfly's Education and Prevention Services</a>
<a href="https://butterfly.org.au/who-we-are/research-policy-publications/payingtheprice2024/">Find out more about our Paying the Price Report</a>
<a href="https://butterfly.org.au/get-support/helpline/">Contact our Helpline</a>

Parents - Ask Me Anything about your teens' body image

The concept of including peers in your treatment team, that is people who have recovered from a similar health experience to yours, is not new in healthcare.

Alcoholics Anonymous, for example, has successfully engaged the support of recovered people—called sponsors—since the 1930s.

However, until recently, the model of care has remained quite uncommon. The good news it's experiencing a much welcomed revival, with peer support widely being seen as vital to an eating disorder recovery team.

“Peer work is a new space compared to clinical support, but it is incredibly powerful,” says Reece Georgas, a peer worker in Butterfly’s new Next Steps program that offers support to people discharging from hospital care. “I think it's a game changer.”

Reece turned years of difficult mental health challenges and an eating disorder into something of value for others on a path he knows well.

“Out of all the hospitals I've been in, the one where the therapist had a lived experience and where the groups were peer led – this is what I found to be most beneficial.”

Listen to Reece’s honest description of his own experience and how peer workers are skilled to use their mental health story intentionally to support others safely.

Find out more about Butterfly's Next Steps Program

Find out more about Butterfly's Peer-led Recovery Support Group

Find out more about Butterfly's Peer-led Program for Carers

Read our Peer Workforce Guidelines

The concept of including peers in your treatment team, that is people who have recovered from a similar health experience to yours, is not new in healthcare.
Alcoholics Anonymous, for example, has successfully engaged the support of recovered people—called sponsors—since the 1930s.
However, until recently, the model of care has remained quite uncommon. The good news it's experiencing a much welcomed revival, with peer support widely being seen as vital to an eating disorder recovery team.
“Peer work is a new space compared to clinical support, but it is incredibly powerful,” says Reece Georgas, a peer worker in Butterfly’s new Next Steps program that offers support to people discharging from hospital care. “I think it's a game changer.”
Reece turned years of difficult mental health challenges and an eating disorder into something of value for others on a path he knows well.
“Out of all the hospitals I've been in, the one where the therapist had a lived experience and where the groups were peer led – this is what I found to be most beneficial.”
Listen to Reece’s honest description of his own experience and how peer workers are skilled to use their mental health story intentionally to support others safely.
<a href="https://butterfly.org.au/get-support/support-programs/next-steps-outpatient-program/">Find out more about Butterfly's Next Steps Program</a>
<a href="https://butterfly.org.au/get-support/support-groups/recoverysupportgroups/">Find out more about Butterfly's Peer-led Recovery Support Group</a>
<a href="https://butterfly.org.au/get-support/support-programs/carer-program-collaborative-care-skills/">Find out more about Butterfly's Peer-led Program for Carers</a>
<a href="https://butterfly.org.au/health-professionals/eating-disorder-peer-workforce-guidelines/">Read our Peer Workforce Guidelines</a>

Peer worker Reece on how your own experience can be the key to recovery for others

Improvements in quality of life and reduced healthcare costs are just some of the benefits uncovered in a Monash University study of Australia’s only residential treatment program for people struggling with eating disorders.

Wandi Nerida, based on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, provides a unique model of holistic, person-centred, inpatient care. As the rate of eating disorders continues to rise, so does the need for improved treatment approaches.

“We're trying to step away from that more clinical hospital feel, where everything's super sterile,” says Dr Carly Roukos, Want Nerida’s Clinical Lead. “As much as possible, we try to have it feel less like a hospital and much more like a home.”

In this episode of Let’s Talk, Dr. Roukos shares how the pioneering model of care at Wandi Nerida was first developed, and what life’s like for participants who receive treatment there.

Dr Roukos has been with the centre from its inception in 2020 and has played an important role in developing the successful clinical program.

“The transition from treatment to home can be really difficult,” she says. “So, we provide opportunities to practice real-life things in real-life settings to help with that transition.”

This piece is key post discharge from hospital: How do we maintain our health and recovery in regular life? Dr Roukos addresses this issue and more.

Find out more about Wandi Nerida

Enquire about placement at Wandi Nerida

Meet the team at Wandi Nerida

Improvements in quality of life and reduced healthcare costs are just some of the benefits uncovered in a Monash University study of Australia’s only residential treatment program for people struggling with eating disorders.
Wandi Nerida, based on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, provides a unique model of holistic, person-centred, inpatient care. As the rate of eating disorders continues to rise, so does the need for improved treatment approaches.
“We're trying to step away from that more clinical hospital feel, where everything's super sterile,” says Dr Carly Roukos, Want Nerida’s Clinical Lead. “As much as possible, we try to have it feel less like a hospital and much more like a home.”
In this episode of Let’s Talk, Dr. Roukos shares how the pioneering model of care at Wandi Nerida was first developed, and what life’s like for participants who receive treatment there.
Dr Roukos has been with the centre from its inception in 2020 and has played an important role in developing the successful clinical program.
“The transition from treatment to home can be really difficult,” she says. “So, we provide opportunities to practice real-life things in real-life settings to help with that transition.”
This piece is key post discharge from hospital: How do we maintain our health and recovery in regular life? Dr Roukos addresses this issue and more.
<a href="https://wandinerida.org.au/">Find out more about Wandi Nerida</a>
<a href="https://wandinerida.org.au/contact/">Enquire about placement at Wandi Nerida</a>
<a href="https://wandinerida.org.au/our-team/">Meet the team at Wandi Nerida</a>

In Depth: Dr Carly Roukos on life at Wandi Nerida residential treatment centre

This is Let's Talk from the Butterfly Foundation. Join your host, Yvie Jones, as we explore living with body image issues and eating disorders.

This is Let's Talk from the Butterfly Foundation. Join your host, Yvie Jones, as we explore living with body image issues and eating disorders.

Butterfly: Let's Talk

This is Let's Talk Body Image and Eating Disorders from the Butterfly Foundation, your national voice for all people affected, now hosted by Yvie Jones.

This is Let's Talk Body Image and Eating Disorders from the Butterfly Foundation, your national voice for all people affected, now hosted by Yvie Jones.

Butterfly: Let's Talk

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