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PAUL. I was overweight as a teenager and hated it, so when I reached 21 I slimmed down and everything was great. But then I got scared of getting fat again, so I started to exercise-and now exercising has taken over my life. I can't eat normally without it. This way, I stay slim and people admire me because I'm so fit. Inside, though, I'm terrified of what might happen if I stopped all the exercise. But I want my life back because I am a prisoner of my obsession.
CINDY. When our daughter came home from her first year at University she was obviously anorexic to us. We were shocked at how thin she was. But she flatly refused to go and see anyone, and we were powerless to make her. My wife was distraught-as I was-but I started phoning around and at least found somebody my daughter would talk to. That was the start of her accepting she needed help, It is hard battle, believe me, and I don't mind telling everyone-families like ours need every bit of help and support we can get, CEDA is on the right track.
NATASHA. I used to eat and eat and eat, and I felt so miserable and desperate about it all the time. In fact, I hated myself. I'm a live-in care warden for the elderly ladies. They're all lovely and I really enjoy the work but it's not much more than a village we are in and you can feel very isolated. I got so down at one point I rang the Helpline. One of the things the person suggested was joining an evening class. It's funny how such a small thing has made such a difference. I'm still shy, but I don't eat all the time now. I am starting not to hate myself so much now, perhaps I will meet a new someone to share my life with?
JANE. No one would ever believe I was Bulimic to look at me. People think I have got it all and that my life is great, what an actress I am. But even my partner doesn't know I binge and purge every single day- and we have been living together for years now, but I keep my secrete so well. I think I would be devastated if anyone else ever found out. I'd feel so ashamed. I feel bad enough about myself as it is. I have thought about going to my GP and asking if I could have some counselling, and if the bingeing gets any worse I
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Become Familiar with the Signs and Symptoms of Possible Eating Disorders
The early detection of an eating disorder can increase the likelihood of successful treatment and recovery. In your interactions with your child, you may notice one or more of the physical, behavioural, and emotional signs and symptoms of eating disorders.
Physical
· Weight loss or fluctuation in short period of time.
· Abdominal pain and discomfort.
· Feeling full or "bloated."
· Feeling faint or feeling cold.
· Dry hair or skin, dehydration, blue hands/feet.
· Lanugo hair (fine body hair).
· Headaches, feeling tired and/or cold.
Behavioural
· Dieting or chaotic food intake.
· Pretending to eat, throwing away food.
· Exercising for long periods of time.
· Showing concern with food, weight, or body size.
· Wearing baggy clothes to hide a very thin body.
· Making frequent trips to the bathroom.
· Avoiding food in social situations.
Emotional
· Complaints about appearance, particularly about being or feeling fat.
· Sadness or comments about feeling worthless.
· Perfectionist attitude.
· Always listening to friends' problems; never sharing one's own.
Public Domain Information edited by CEDA
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