Sunday 24th February, 2019

As we approach Eating Disorders week (25th Feb-3rd March) I would like us all to consider, myself included, the magnitude of this particular mental health issue. It is, after all, a form of self-harm. A means of ‘coping’ with life events and emotions that we otherwise do not know how to deal with. It is a method of taking control when it feels like we are on a steep and slippery slope to losing all control. It is not one that we actively ‘choose’ to fall victim to, but one that creeps up on us, and seemingly invades our being, until eventually, without intervention, leads to not only the systematic destruction of our bodies, but also our souls. Eating disorders can leave us feeling frightened, helpless and isolated. Tragically, in extreme cases, they can result in death.

Although eating disorders tend to be associated with young girls and women, there are no boundaries as to who may be affected by them. Men, women and children, young and old alike, can all experience the symptoms, and ultimately the crippling physical and psychological effects, of Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge Eating Disorder. In a society where we are continually bombarded by ‘ideals’, and expectations it comes as no surprise that victims of this destructive condition are presenting at increasingly earlier ages. Children now have access to not only television and magazines, but the internet, and of course, social media, where filtered images are commonplace. ‘Perfection’ is literally thrown at us from every angle, and it is easy to lose sight of reality, and ultimately gain a deep sense of inadequacy. Equally, parents, carers and guardians find themselves with increasingly busy lives, struggling to provide not only the necessities, but the many elaborate ‘trinkets’ that are apparently now a requirement to ensure that the children of our society are not bullied, mocked, or castigated simply for not having the latest technology, or even the latest brand of trainers/hoodie. My point being, that as a result of the emphasis on the material aspects of our world, and the continual acquisition of ‘things’, there is little time remaining in the day for any of us to provide the things that matter the most, such as a listening ear, uninterrupted time to play or spend time taking part in activities that literally don’t cost a penny, but are worth their weight in gold to us! On top of all this there are countless other pressures that our children regularly battle with, including the pressure to succeed academically, because if they don’t it may result in rejection by not only society, but by their families.

So where does all this leave our children ? It can be difficult enough as adults to comprehend our feelings and emotions, as is shown by the high levels of anxiety and depression currently presenting in our society…but what I cannot help but wonder is how that  must feel for a child ? The sense of bewilderment and isolation is quite possibly overwhelming to a young mind. How does a child begin to express their emotions, develop a sense of self, and learn to love and accept that ‘self’, if they are feeling anxious, isolated and have little or no access to external help. It can be a daunting prospect for anyone to reach out for the emotional support that they are in desperate need of, (largely due to fear of ridicule, or worse still, rejection!), but for a child or young person it can be an impossible task. It is often simply a case of them having to wait until the signs and symptoms of a mental health issue are glaringly obvious to someone who is in a position to summon help for them. We can only imagine their frustration.

Apart from being necessary to our survival, food plays a number of positive roles within our lives. It is a sociable activity, a means of nurturing, an aspect of tradition in cultures worldwide. Food is used a means of celebration…and yet sadly, to an increasing number of us, it has become a ‘safety net’, a way of dealing with unwanted and repressed feelings and emotions. Often sufferers are unaware that their erratic behaviour around food is linked to an eating disorder in one form or another, and equally it is common for them to recognise that their issue is NOT about food, but underlying psychological issues that are just too painful to deal with. It is rare for an eating disorder to be triggered by one specific event in our lives, or indeed for it to be associated solely with social pressure, but is more often than not a result of a combination of events and circumstances that has led to a sense of low self-esteem and worthlessness.

When an eating disorder does become apparent, it can be a difficult time for not only the sufferer, but for their family and friends. There is often an abundance of shame, guilt, and blame, and even elements of denial. No one likes to think that they haven’t noticed the warning signs that their loved ones, particularly their children, are mentally unwell to the extent where they are in a state of self-destruction. If you have discovered that someone you care about is the victim of Anorexia, Bulimia, or BED, please understand that your knowledge is a good thing. It means that you are now in a position to help them break the vicious cycle that they have become embroiled in, and more importantly, source professional guidance. It is important that the first port of call is your G.P., who will then refer you to the relevant agencies to ensure that the journey to recovery can begin.

Please take hope from the fact that recovery IS possible, and with the right combination of medical intervention and therapeutic support there is usually a bright light at the end of what may sometimes seem like a very dark and lonely tunnel!