Mental health first aid for eating disorders is the help provided to a person who is developing disordered eating, experiencing worsening of an existing eating disorder, or is experiencing a mental health crisis. The help is given until appropriate help is received, or the crisis resolves. Mental health first aid has been a game changer in building knowledge and skills among teachers, parents, partners, families and friends in recognising and assisting individuals with eating disorders.
A team of researchers at University of Melbourne and Mental Health First Aid are conducting a new study to update the mental health first aid guidelines for eating disorders. These guidelines provide safe and effective strategies for people wanting to assist a loved one, co-worker or friend who may be struggling with disordered eating. The first guidelines were published in 2009 and so much has changed since then.
The research team is looking for people ages 18 and older with lived experience, caring experience, or professional experience in eating disorders to develop consensus on how to best support someone with an eating disorder to seek appropriate help.
To find out more, follow this link to their study webpage: https://melbourneuni.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0B1SjoaUJqw2CI6