"If we join forces, we will be more effective in preventing eating disorders."

"Before the creation of FEACAB , the various associations scattered throughout Spain only met occasionally, for example, when there was a congress of the Spanish Association for the Study of Eating Disorders (AETCA), which we used as an opportunity to invite a specialist to give a talk. From these meetings, we realized that, since we were all working towards the same goal, which is primarily to help families and promote prevention , the best thing to do was to form a federation. This way, we could combine our efforts, share resources, and work as a network , which is what it's all about. And so, in 1999, the Federation was founded."

The idea behind FEACAB is to strengthen the work and vitality of all its member associations. Each one operates in a specific territory and has varying degrees of capacity to carry out projects. But by sharing experiences , programs, and materials, we can be more effective in prevention, supporting families, and raising awareness about eating disorders. From our colleagues in Catalonia, for example, we have learned how to implement prevention programs in schools. The main challenge for the federations is precisely knowing how to leverage the potential of this union, keeping in mind that the resources and strength of each organization are very different. Hence the importance of receiving support as a federation and being able to dedicate time and effort to achieving results.

"The government doesn't provide enough support to families because it simply doesn't reach them. We achieve a great deal if a person with an eating disorder receives all the care they need. But the family also needs support. This is where associations come in. We also run prevention programs in schools and help and support those affected , working closely with eating disorder treatment units. In Aragon, I remember there was only one child and adolescent unit, and adults didn't know where to go. Eventually, with the association's support, an adult unit was created. Even so, many people came to the association because they needed support but didn't want treatment. That's why we created a program called 'Prevention and Motivation for Treatment,' in which social workers dedicated hours until they convinced the person to make an appointment with the unit and begin treatment. This is just one example of what we can do as associations." But the Federation allows us to have influence, in this case, at the national level, in a broader territory than each association covers individually. It allows us to "make our voices heard" and engage in stronger dialogue with state administrations.

But the work of the Administration is clearly very important in the care of people with eating disorders. So the more we work together, the better. That doesn't mean we won't advocate for things when we need to, but with a constructive aim, for the benefit of those affected and their families. Our role isn't to set up a parallel service to the public healthcare system, but to reach where the public system doesn't. We already provide support to families, since we are families ourselves.

By joining forces, we can be more effective in prevention, in supporting families, and in raising awareness about eating disorders.

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"Families always find support in associations. First, they find arguments to convince their sons and daughters to go where they can get treatment. And this is already important. But then, families need to understand the disorder and know where to go, because when an eating disorder enters a home, it's common for them to feel distressed, confused, and to need information about what's happening to their son or daughter and how they can help. There's a lot of literature on the subject, but it lacks practical application. Caring for families is essential , as they are a key agent in the progress and recovery of people with eating disorders. If we learn to live with the disorder, we'll have gained a lot."

Besides the welcome sessions and orientation workshops, mutual support groups are invaluable, as they offer the opportunity to share concerns with other parents in the same situation. Although there is increasingly more information available about eating disorders, having direct contact is important.

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“During the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, we worked incredibly hard, we cared for many people, but the real surge came when we reopened, and we were truly overwhelmed. Now it seems the number of cases has plateaued somewhat, but the cases are becoming increasingly severe, which means more hospital admissions. So, while I'm glad that mental health is being discussed and taken into account more, it shouldn't just be about saying 'how important mental health is,' but about allocating real resources , increasing the number of professionals and beds in the centers.”

Caring for families is essential, as they are a key agent in the evolution and recovery of people with eating disorders.

"This is uncontrollable and it worries us a great deal. That's why we're working together with other associations and organizations , such as those dedicated to preventing bullying. To promote the responsible use of screens, it's important that families and schools work together. Families need to feel supported so they can raise their children; and teachers and educators also need training on mental health disorders, bullying, suicide... This is key if we want to make progress."

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"Each association carries out prevention programs , but we're all on the same path and heading in the same direction. When we talk about prevention, it's important to talk about strengthening self-esteem, body image, learning to love ourselves... We're concerned that these campaigns with children and teenagers are done well, that they're carried out by specialists, because we have to be very careful. We must implement prevention programs in schools , but also among families and in society in general."

And here again, networking and sharing are essential, because the more allies we have, the further we will go with prevention."