A colorful logo for a company called full of beans

Supporting Siblings & Self

In this weeks episode, Han is joined by Bella Maki. Bella holds a weekly sibling support group, further to her sisters recovery from anorexia nervosa. Bella joins us today to discuss the impact of a sibling having an eating disorder, the support that is available, and how you as a sibling can help you loved one.

We start by discussing the impact that her sister's diagnosis had on Bella, and how as the oldest child she took on the role of looking after her younger brother.

We discuss the things that Bella's family did to ensure the eating disorder didn't become centralised in their family, how they made decisions so the eating disorder wasn't comfortable, and separated their loved one from the eating disorder.

We also discuss how Bella found support for herself, what helped their family to remain as a unit, and the support that is now out there for siblings supporting a loved one.

For more information, you can follow Bella at @bellamaki24 and you can contact her about joining her sibling support group if you are interested!

Bella also suggested the following for sibling/family resources:

Recent Posts

Cover photo for The Assisted Dying Bill & Eating Disorders: What You Need to Know with Chelsea Roff

The Assisted Dying Bill & Eating Disorders: What You Need to Know

By Hannah Hickinbotham • March 10, 2025
The UK’s Assisted Dying Bill raises serious concerns for individuals with eating disorders. Could they qualify as terminally ill? Explore the risks, safeguarding gaps, and why better treatment, not assisted death, is needed.

Reclaiming Women's Health by Breaking Myths Around PCOS & Eating Disorders

By hannah • March 9, 2025
Reclaiming Women's Health by Breaking Myths Around PCOS & Eating Disorders

Navigating ARFID with Compassion: Kindsight, Communication & Support with Julie White

February 10, 2025
In this week's episode, Han is joined by Julie White. Julie is a Mental Health First Aid Instructor, Neurodiversity Coach, and peer support facilitator, raising awareness of mental health and neurodiversity.

The Impact of Eating Disorders on Sexual Health with Bethany Ashley Smith

February 3, 2025
In this week's episode, Han is joined by Bethany Ashley Smith. Bethany is a psychotherapist who is on a to help people feel more confident and independent in their healing journey. Bethany has spent 20 years combining her own lived experiences, working as a mental health nurse and her professional expertise in trauma, addiction, ADHD, and relationships. As a neurodiverse, mixed-race woman who’s walked her own recovery path, Bethany brings empathy and understanding to her work.

APPG Report "The Right to Health: People with Eating Disorders are being failed" with Nicky Smith

January 22, 2025
In this week's episode, we speak with eating disorder advocate, Nicky Smith, about report released by The All-Party Parliamentary Group, “The Right To Health: People with eating disorders failed”.

The Implication of GLP-1 Medications on Eating Disorders with Zuzanna Gajowiec

January 13, 2025
In this week's episode, Han is joined by Zuzanna Gajowiec. Zuzanna is a Clinical Psychologist, Family Therapist, and Ireland’s first Certified Eating Disorder Specialist and Consultant (CEDS-C). With over a decade of experience, Zuzanna is dedicated to supporting individuals and families on their journey to recovery, focusing on physical healing, body image, and family connections.
Show More
Share by: