Supporting Parents to Support Their Loved Ones at Christmas with Deidre Reddan

In this week's episode, Han is joined by Deirdre Reddan, an Eating Disorder and Parent Coach, and an associate instructor with Youth Mental Health First Aid Ireland. Deirdre passionately educates and raises awareness about supporting parents, often the untapped superpower when someone is unwell. She works with both parents and individuals, co-leading online group programs for parents affected by eating disorders.

This week, we discuss:

  • The different support people get from child & adolescent to adult services, and how this impacts the parent's involvement.
  • Advice for parents who are feeling guilt, shame and the need to "fix" their loved one with an eating disorder.
  • Tips & advice on how to go about planning Christmas festivities.
  • How to determine the right level of challenge for your loved one and their eating disorder recovery.
  • How to provide support to your loved one without applying pressure or drawing attention to your loved one's eating disorder.

To find out more about Deidre, you can visit Supported Families, or follow Deirdre on Instagram ( @supported_families) or LinkedIn ( Deirdre Reddan).

Kindly note, that this episode delves into sensitive eating disorder topics. Remember to take care of yourself while listening, and always seek professional help if needed. This podcast is your bridge to insightful discussions, not a substitute for clinical guidance.

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