Etelän-SYLI ry is a non-profit association operating in the Helsinki and Uusimaa area. We are a part of The Eating Disorder Association of Finland (Syömishäiriöliitto – SYLI ry). We offer information, guidance and peer support for people with eating disorders and their families and friends.
For support in English, contact us: info(at)etelansyli.fi
Webinar on eating disorders
Webinar in English Monday 28th April 2025 5.30pm-7.15pm: Eating disorders
We’re organising a free, open webinar for English-speakers wishing to know more about eating disorders and support available. Read more here.
Email support
We also offer peer support by email. You can write to our peer support volunteers Nina, nina(at)etelansyli.fi, or to Vilma, vilma(at)etelansyli.fi. Vilma gives support to families and friends.
Nina’s story
”Hi, I am Nina (49 years old) from Austria. My background is from an alkoholistic family. When I was a little girl I had to take control and care of myself and my little brother, I had to be in charge of household and there was not much time left for a happy childhood. No wonder that I was always trying to get love and understanding in the role of “good girl”.
With 13 my feelings went up-side-down, because I could not handle the possible upcoming changes of body – I did not have the right to grow woman (as I had my very beautiful mother on my side who had always the first-lady-role and needed me to be her little girl forever).
So I tried to stay child, ”sweet” but had to be ”small”. I started to control my eating habits and did hide all sweets (”Sweet was not for me”). I tried to do sports for not gaining weight.
Later, with age 25, I spent two years abroad, studying Spanish language and fell in love head over heals. From there on, the need for control grew – compulsional sports and gymnastics, very little food. I thought that for my Spanish lover I had to be as skinny as possible, because otherwise he would leave me.
I was lucky to get over this phase, as I returned to Austria and decided to change my eating habits – I wanted to live a normal life and enjoy it. With the help of psychotherapy (about 4 years) I got a lot of self-confidence and optimism.
After all these years, I understood that unconditional control and the painful search for love are mostly a result of my childhood. Transition-periods, teenager-phases and significant happenings in life were triggers. We have to be pacient, grow empathy and unconditional love for ourselves!
I am happy to share opinions and experiences with you, I will listen and be there! You may write in English, German or Spanish. I check my mailbox every week and try to answer within a few days.”
Contact information
You can contact us at info(a)etelansyli.fi. Our office is located in Helsinki, Kaapelitehdas (The Cable Factory) in Ruoholahti (stairway B, 4th floor).
Postal address:
Etelän-SYLI ry
Tallberginkatu 1 C 115
00180 Helsinki
Take a path towards recovery
Most of the patients recover to a level where they can continue leading a normal life.
We know that it is possible to recover by taking small steps, receiving professional care and listening to oneself along the way.
Always remember: There is hope, help and support available!
More information in English you can read from Syömishäiriöliitto’s publication Information about eating disorders – how to identify, seek help and recover
