Everybody knows somebody

Posted Thursday 14 February 2013

Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2013 kicked off on Monday 11^th February. The week was created by B-eat, the eating disorders charity, to raise awareness of this serious illness, challenge stereotypes and stigmas, and encourage those with an eating problem to be brave and try and get some help. The two clear messages this year are to help raise funds for B-eat and to raise awareness. 'Sock it to eating disorders' hopes to raise funds through sponsored sock themed events from selling knitted socks to wearing silly socks!  

Working in an NHS Eating Disorder Service we are more focused on the raising awareness side of things – Everybody Knows Somebody.  Eating disorders come in lots of different varieties - so even if you think that they may not apply to you, you might be surprised. It is important to remember that anyone can develop an eating disorder. Over 1.6million people in the UK are affected by eating disorders including men and women of all ages and backgrounds. The three main types of eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder. Different eating disorders have different implications on health. These can include depression, impaired concentration, tiredness, weakness, sensitivity to cold, noise and light, headaches, hair loss, social isolation, damage to the esophagus through vomiting, and lots more.  Being overweight can also have serious health effects such as increased blood pressure, increased risk of developing type II diabetes and increased risk of developing cardiovascular problems. 

The nature of eating disorders often leaves people feeling alone, ashamed and helpless. For this reason it is very important that if you are worried about your eating, or that of someone you know, that you get some help. Often a close family member or relative is a good place to start.  However, if you feel you unable to talk to them then you can go to your GP who will be able to give you advice and refer you on to an eating disorder service if necessary. The charity B-eat (mentioned above) is a very good place to get more information. They offer a helpline, support groups, and online forums where you can get support if you feel you aren’t ready to go along in person. Mind also offer information on eating problems, with details about causes, treatment options and what friends and family can do to help. 

Chloe and Charlotte

Chloe and Charlotte are Assistant Psychologists at the Vincent Square Eating Disorder Service, providing specialist care for adults with a range of eating disorders. Their mission is to "work together to inspire and support individuals with eating disorders and their families on their path to recovery". Visit their website or follow them on twitter @VSEDS.

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1 Comment

• Mindreader replied on 19 Feb 2013 at 11:04

  What I find worrying is that service users now need to be in a more serious state i.e. more physically ill/lower weight before they can access help. As with everything else the bar for access has been raised.
  There is a 'hierarchy' of diagnosis i.e. Psychosis/Bipolar at the top and PD at the bottom, and within eating 'disorder' services that means Anorexia at the top and compulsive eating at the bottom. It's very sad to see those who were chewed up with years of EDU's for Anorexia now offered nothing if they end up at the opposite end of the spectrum. It's very hard for the kind of activism we've seen flourish in other areas to occur within this area because societal attitudes are quite entrenched; thin = good, fat = bad lazy slob.
  I'd like to see some research for example looking at the long term impact of EDU treatment on people because what I've listened to over many years hasn't altered that much