Claim OwnershipEating Disorders in Discussion, Wednesday's Child
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© Debbie Watson
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Produced by the not for profit eating disorder organisation, Wednesday's Child, this podcast captures plenty of interviews, discussions, insights and inspirations. You'll hear from those who've battled the illness, those who support others, and from those with views about body image, food and exercise.
104 Episodes
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In this episode, Abi Reynolds, who has often shared her experiences of an eating disorder on the Wednesday’s Child podcast, talks about featuring in a very special exhibition in London.The project has been led by the Maternal Mental Health Alliance – an organisation Wednesday’s Child is proud to be involved with.Abi was one of a number of women selected to share their story about the true reality of pregnancy and early motherhood.Her story, as some of you will know from your loyal listening here on this channel, is one of absolute fear, heartache and frustration – having been through an eating disorder during and beyond pregnancy.The podcast chat sees Abi sharing information about the exhibition, but also extends into a longer chat with Debbie about the issues around maternal mental health and a lack of education specifically related to eating disorders.And of course, this makes it a perfect time for us to plug that, should you or your colleagues or known maternal health teams in your region, need some education – we at Wednesday’s Child would be pleased to help.Abi and our team conduct training sessions, calling upon their lived experience.Get in touch by emailing debbie@wednesdayschild.co.ukNOTE: We are no long providing online downloadable courses at the moment, so deliver webinar versions bespoke to your organisation, or in person as requested.Find out more about the exhibition at: https://maternalmentalhealthalliance.org/get-involved/this-is-also-motherhood/
When should you return to exercise – if indeed you would like to?How do you make sure you’re choosing to increase your movement for the right reasons?How do you hold yourself accountable and remain safe, without threating eating disorder recovery progress?Debbie chats with Sarah Parker for this latest episode of the Wednesday’s Child podcast.They discuss motivations, considerations and why it’s always so important to keep ‘checking in’ with yourself to discover why you’re truly seeking to ‘move more’.While not everyone who has an eating disorder experiences compulsive exercise behaviours, we know it is a factor for a large number of people.This episode is aimed at helping you reconsider the approach to a return to movement, and to encourage you to take a different mindset to why we might wish to have exercise in our lives again.This episode is also useful to parents and carers who want to gently navigate how to manage the desire of a loved one to increase exercise.Stay in touch by emailing us at hello@wednesdayschild.co.uk
Debbie is joined by Sarah Parker, eating disorders therapist, to discuss the ‘all in’ route to recovery.Many people elect to consider ‘all in’ as a way of more speedily exiting the world of an eating disorder, but not everyone finds it to be an approach they can manage.It certain is a pathway which requires a great deal of contemplation, support from others, and some robust medical observation at points in the journey.In this episode, Sarah kindly shares not only her therapy insights, but her own personal experience of having opted to go ‘all in’.She talks openly about why it’s so important to be ready for the conflict between speedier weight restoration, vs the longer journey toward complete healthy cognition.If you are considering ‘all in’, remember that your unique eating disorder circumstances will inform whether this is right for you, and what approach you might want to take.We would always encourage anyone adopting this route to have a good support tribe around them as they go through the process, but also that you have a practice nurse or GP on side to help observe bloods and other vitals – preventing any adverse implications as you restore weight.Please do let us know if you’ve tried ‘all in’ and how it worked for you.You can contact us directly by emailing hello@wednesdayschild.co.uk
In this latest episode from the Wednesday’s Child podcast, Debbie chats to therapist and author Sally Baker.Sally has decades of experience in writing books and carrying out 121 therapy, predominantly related to relationships with food and body.She’s a master in unpicking the idea that eating disorders need just be seen as ‘a matter of food’.In this conversation, she talks candidly about how we really don’t need to stay stuck in the place in which we find ourself.Indeed, she gives us all hope that FULL recovery is truly possible.Debbie and Sally talk about releasing yourself from negative voices, and changing your ‘dance’ and the music to which you dance to.She’ll share with you a brilliant ‘marble exercise’ for teaching you how toxic negative thoughts become.Sally will be back for another episode very soon, and has graciously committed to a webinar for Wednesday’s Child in a few months’ time.You can get in touch about such events by emailing debbie@wednesdayschild.co.uk Find Sally’s website at: https://workingonthebody.com/ Find Sally’s books: https://workingonthebody.com/my-books/ You may also wish to sign up to Sally’s newsletter for a regular dose of positivity and recovery hope: https://workingonthebody.com/newsletter-subscription/
Do eating disorders often co-exist with neurodivergence?Is it more likely, that you’ll have an eating disorder if you’re neurodiverse?What do we need to understand if we’re caring for someone for whom neurodiversity is a factor?In this latest eating disorder podcast episode, Debbie and specialist ED therapist Sarah Parker talk about these important issues and consider whether there is indeed a greater prevalence of eating disorder behaviours and diagnosis, where someone is also neurodivergent.We look at what different approaches might be required.Where are the similarities in two very different diagnoses?How do we improve our approach to compassionate care and understanding in recovery, while being knowledgeable about eating disorders and the way in which they’re impacted by neurodivergence?If you’d like to share your experience, please do drop a line to debbie@wednesdayschild.co.ukWe’re also keen to run a webinar on this topic and welcome hearing from those who would wish to join or be involved.
Eating disorder recovery is tough.It’s super tough.It’s hard on the person trying to get well (or knowing they should!) and it’s equally hard on those who love that individual and want to do the best they can to support.In today’s episode, Debbie talks to Sarah Parker about the challenge of choosing recovery, and about how you support someone through recovery – while possibly knowing that the person in question is finding it really hard to ‘show up’ for themselves.We touch on the concept in Mel Robbins’ book ‘Let Them’ which suggests that sometimes we can try to hard to help others ‘catch the ball’ or recover for themselves, and that sometimes we have to be brave enough to let them learn and let them conclude their recovery and their fear is a journey worth travelling.We’d love to hear your experiences of this scenario, so please do get in touch with us.You can email debbie@wednesdayschild.co.uk
In this episode, we come at the eating disorder discussion from the perspective of a mother.Not just a mother – but a mother whose daughter is already an accomplished adult, but falls into anorexia and exercise compulsion.Debbie and Sharon discuss how the eating disorder arrived into family life, how it manifested itself, and how challenging it was to find help.Full disclosure – Sharon credits Wednesday’s Child with very much ‘being there’ when she felt like there were few people who would understand and hear her concerns.Fortunately, the story of Sharon’s family is a really positive one, with Sharon’s daughter now doing really well, in a new career and a relationship….and forming a positive and healthy eating and exercise relationship.We’re delighted to share that Sharon is among those who’ve recently decided to become parent carer befrienders for Wednesday’s Child, so do get in touch if this is of interest to you or you’d like to make contact with Sharon.You can support Wednesday’s Child via Buy Me A Coffee at Buy Me A Coffee
Wednesday’s Child is back in the routine of podcasting, and here, we bring you our first ‘discussion’ episode of the new series.Debbie chats with Sarah Parker, a specialist eating disorder therapist who supports people using a number of treatment modalities.Having originally worked in the NHS, and having herself fully recovered from an eating disorder many years ago, she is part of the Wednesday’s Child community of therapy practitioners, and sees adults of all ages and prior eating disorder experiences, on a private basis.Among the topics discussed today are:What does the criteria for an eating disorder look like today (and is it improved or not)?How is the world of the NHS changing when it comes to eating disorders?Seeing an eating disorder as a ‘thinking disorder’ not a physical oneNeurodiversity and eating disordersSupport of someone with an eating disorder Our new support group returns – for parents, partners and carers – on Monday 19th May at 530pm.Please keep an eye out for social posts for how to book, or send an email to debbie@wednesdayschild.co.uk
For too long, we’ve been hinting at returning with a frequent podcast.As often happens for any of us – life gets in the way.Well, no more excuses or procrastination.We’re back!In this brief episode, Debbie drops into the airwaves to share about the return of the Wednesday’s Child podcast and to encourage messages and questions from any of you in the eating disorder community who have something to contribute.You’ll be hearing from Debbie and from Sarah Ledger on a very regular basis, as they share their own personal experiences.You’ll also hear frequently from guests, those who have recovered, and those who have played a role in helping others recover.If you’d like to be part of our podcast, and particularly if you fancy the idea of sponsoring us, please email debbie@wednesdayschild.co.uk
Flying solo for this episode, Debbie Watson refreshes our audience on what led to Wednesday’s Child being created.
She also shares some key pointers on motivators for recovery success.
Debbie talks about the need to focus on improved physical health, nurtured emotional health, genuinely gaining control, building and sustaining relationships, and having focus on dreams and ambitions.
Please do feel free to get in touch after listening to this conversation.
We value hearing your stories and experiences, and learning of people who might wish to provide an expert insight on our platform.
debbie@wednesdayschild.co.uk
It’s been sometime since we caught up with the wonderful Sarah Parker, specialist eating disorder therapist.
Under the name Well Of Being, her business helps many individuals and families to navigate their recovery.
Here, she chats with Debbie about what you should look for in a therapy relationship, while also giving her thoughts on the current landscape of eating disorder support.
You can find Sarah at https://wellofbeing.co.uk/
We welcome therapists as guests on our podcast, as well as those who want to talk about their journey of recovery.
Email debbie@wednesdayschild.co.uk
After another (far too long) pause in recording of the Wednesday’s Child podcast, Sarah and Debbie are back to help you find focus and kickstart your recovery in 2024.
In this episode, we talk about our own learnings of navigating recovery from an eating disorder, and share tips for how you might gain motivation, commitment and positivity in the year ahead.
We also share our advice for those of you who are living with, loving or supporting someone in a challenging journey with an eating disorder.
Please do follow up this episode by dropping us an email with your questions, recovery stories or suggestions for our podcast.
You’ll hear far more from Wednesday’s Child in 2024, and we’re delighted to be with you.
Reach out at debbie@wednesdayschild.co.uk
Are you in the process of recovering and still drawn toward particular behaviours?
Do you find yourself witnessing a loved one slip back into specific unhealthy eating disorder behaviours?
In this episode, Sarah and Debbie reflect on how they dealt with particular behaviours in their eating disorder recovery journey.
They cover tactics around removing yourself from the situation momentarily, asking for help, and layering positive steps of change.
We’d love to know how this episode resonates with you, and what your experiences might be.
Email hello@wednesdayschild.co.uk
What’s it like to develop an eating disorder when you’re away from home for the first time, embarking on life as a university student?
Perhaps you’ve had eating behaviours in the past, been concerned about your body image, or had an addiction to movement and exercise – do these factors make it more challenging to even consider a move to university?
Here, as we prepare for the period in which many thousands of young people will head to university, we chat to Rachel, as she shares her own personal experiences with an eating disorder.
Rachel talks candidly and courageously about what she encountered as a student, what she had to do to get help, and what she’s learned along the way.
If you’d like to comment on this episode, or share your thoughts and applause for Rachel, please email debbie@wednesdayschild.co.uk
After a rather long pause in recording, Sarah and Debbie are back in the seat, talking all things eating disorders on the Wednesday’s Child podcast.
In this episode, our hosts discuss the importance of checking in with yourself and asking what your recovery path needs most in life right now.
They share their own experiences of choosing university, of learning to be less ‘externally validated’, and of managing the unexpected.
You’ll also hear Sarah and Debbie talk about the need for those attending or involved in education, to consider the route to support, and how teaching and pastoral professionals can gain greater insight about eating disorders.
If you’d like to message us, please email hello@wednesdayschild.co.uk
In this episode, we follow up on a mailbox request, which sought answers about how best to look after yourself in eating disorder recovery, while at the same time being a parent.
How do you prioritise yourself, but equally take care of your children and the demands of family life?
How do you navigate a child’s desire for family foodie outings, or tackle a youngster’s issues around body image, when you yourself are in the thick of recovery?
Sarah and Debbie take a deep look at these questions, while bringing in Sarah’s own personal insight, as someone who was recovering from an eating disorder while a mum to a school-aged daughter.
In this episode, we welcome back our wonderful Perinatal Lead here at Wednesday’s Child, Abi Reynolds
She’s joined in her conversation with Debbie, by Chantelle Ecob, who is a trainee clinical psychologist and is keen to gain more insights into the experiences of women who relapse into, or first suffer from, an eating disorder in pregnancy or soon afterwards.
We’ll be keeping in regular contact with Chantelle throughout this research, but if you’re minded to take part in investigations (all of which will be fully confidential), you can email Chantelle on chantelle.ecob@postgrad.manchester.ac.u
This episode sees the return of our duo Debbie and Sarah. Here, they chat at the close of Eating Disorders Awareness Week, and use the opportunity to reinforce the need to always ‘turn talk into action’. Throughout this episode, you’ll hear a number of lived experience reflections about what it takes to keep pivoting from hinge behaviours, and to continually challenge the eating disorder’s unhelpful voice.
If you have a perspective on this chat, or would like to contribute to a future episode, please email debbie@wednesdayschild.co.uk
In this episode, Debbie references her ‘Sofa Guest’ conversation. Should you wish to listen, you’ll find it on BBC Sounds from Friday 3rd March at 330pm.
In this episode, we catch up with our lovely therapist Sarah Smetham (Sarah Parker, until her recent nuptials!), where she and Debbie discuss how relationships change as we transition through our eating disorder recovery.
Sarah reveals how her own relational needs changed in her progress beyond an eating disorder, and, as a practitioner, she gives guidance on being aware of our own needs and recognition as we learn to build the tribe which is right for the life we have.
You can find out more about Sarah’s work here: https://wellofbeing.co.uk/about-sarah/
If you’re interested in hearing more about topics like this, and attending a webinar with Sarah and Debbie, please email us. Send a message to debbie@wednesdayschild.co.uk marked ‘relationship insights’.
We always welcome your own personal stories too, so don’t hesitate to share with us if you feel so inclined.
What are the new options being considered for treating those who are seemingly ‘resistant’ to more freely available therapy?
In this episode, we take a deep dive into the world of Awakn Life Sciences, and hear from clinical psychologist Laurie Higbed, as she explains how Awakn’s clinics are working with those who’ve been battling long term eating issues, as well as addictions – like gambling and alcohol.
We’re also joined by our therapist Isabel Leming, who shares her perspective on this approach, and helps us explore why some people find it that much more challenging to recover without additional or different interventions.
Your thoughts on this episode would be greatly appreciated, as we’d very much like to get our experts back and create a panel event, to which we can invite you to ask more questions.
Feel free to email us on hello@wednesdayschild.co.uk
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This episode is one of the best podcasts I've listened to since my daughter was diagnosed with AN. I loved hearing the different perspectives, because we've all got different experiences with it. Thank you for discussing the effects on the whole family.