IF YOU work in the area of metal health and with issues around eating, you will probably know that Monday February 22 is the start of Eating Disorder Week.
To highlight this, Northern Ireland’s first specialist eating disorder clinic, Life Therapies Belfast, is hosting an Eating Disorder, Obesity and Mental Health Awareness Day at the Park Avenue Hotel, Belfast.
Headlining is eating disorder expert Julia Buckroyd, author of Understanding Your Eating. The event, on February 22 from 9.15am to 1.30pm, will feature expert speakers, including Professor Buckroyd who plans to give a provocative talk on the psychological aspects of obesity and disordered eating.
“Everyone moans about being too fat; and high-profile commentators think nothing of insulting the overweight for their failure of self-discipline and willpower; there are diets of every possible kind, yet strangely enough, the population gets steadily fatter. How come?" Prof Buckroyd says.
“There is no doubt at all that food, especially sugar, has an effect on our brain chemistry and gives us a lift. Most of us have learned that many of life’s frustrations and sorrows can be eased with a bar of chocolate and some of us have decided that frequent doses of our favourite treat make life bearable.
“So, as professionals, if we want to help people lose weight perhaps we shouldn’t be focusing on calories and portions but on the feelings that the food engender. My presentation will address these issues and propose ideas, responding to the challenge of an overweight population by focusing on awareness of feelings and the development of less damaging responses to them.”
The event will also see Life Therapies, in conjunction with Dr Anne Moorhead from Ulster University, launch a pilot research programme into how a personalised and psychological holistic intervention which focuses on the self-management of obesity affects weight.
An integrative and holistic approach to mental health, eating disorders, weight management and nutritional medicine is the key to future results in the obesity epidemic, is how Bridin McKenna, director of Life Therapies puts it.
Waiting times for assessments for eating disorders are around seven to nine months – this is a massive issue because early intervention can be crucial, even life-saving in the case of some and will help reduce recovery time.
“Our new programme, In a Relationship with Food, in collaboration with Ulster University, will encompass a motivational, psychological and physiological approach to obesity and aims to address areas including breaking free from yo-yo dieting and unhealthy weight cycling, dealing with emotional eating, changing mind-sets, breaking unhelpful behaviour chains and building new ones," Bridin says.
"There will also be nutritional rehabilitation strategies, plus coaching and counselling to increase self-esteem and body esteem, addressing lifestyle changes, management of stress and relationships. We will focus on the longer-term retention of weight management with relapse and self-management skills for life."
Other talks on the day include: Bridin’s presentation 'Past, Present and Future of Eating Disorders; Obesity and Mental Health in NI'.
There will be a talk from The Laurence Trust, a body that specialises in eating disorders in men. Shauna Gibson, a therapist from the Life Therapies Clinic, will launch 'In a Relationship with Food' a group psychological programme for obesity and emotional eating and research.
There will be a talk on recovery from anorexia – a survivor's story, while
Belfast PR agency boss Cathy Martin will discuss 'Body Image, Body Shopping and The Fashion Industry'.
The event is open to healthcare professionals and individuals who are working in all areas of food, weight management and mental health. There is no charge. Bookings can be made via Life Therapies Clinic on 0770 6705 814 or via email: info@life-therapies.com.
Other interesting events coming up include the Body, Mind and Soul Festival featuring all the usual ranges of therapies, music and interesting talks, running over the weekend of Saturday and Sunday February 20 and 21 in the Guild Hall, Derry. For further information check out www.bodymindsoulevents.com.
On Sunday February 21 at Tobar Mhuire Passionist Monastery in Crossgar Brian Williams will lead a transformational breath weekend. This is a phenomenal therapy, ideal to release emotions and clear away lots of issues. I love it. Check out www.breatheireland. Or telephone 0771 0879 967.
Finally the lovely Ted Wilmont is returning to teach a Matrix Reimprinting course in Belfast. Check out www.eft4life.co.uk. The weekend costs £325 and his past practitioners can refresh for £75.
r.armstrong@irishnews.com
