Eating Disorders are one of many mental health conditions that are present in our society.

Sarah McGee of Western Trust CAHMS said: “Eating Disorders are more common than ever before.

“1.6 million people in UK directly affected by Eating disorders, 11 per cent are male. There was a 34 percent rise in number of hospital inpatient admissions since 2005. 1 in 100 women between 15-30 years are affected by anorexia and72 percent of young people with eating disorder also self-harm.”

Explaining what an eating disorder is, Sarah said: “There is a wide spectrum of eating patterns in childhood and adolescents. Only a few of these are problematic and most would not constitute an ‘eating disorder’. Eating disorders have as much to do with negative and distorted view of oneself as with food and eating. Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions which can have serious physical implications”.

Sarah explained the various types of eating disorders.

She said examples of eating disorders include but are not limited to:

- Anorexia nervosa, the onset of which can usually be early teens 13 or 14 years however it is not unknown to start in children under 13 or over 25years.

- Bulimia nervosa, binging and purging behaviour via self-induced vomiting, laxative use or excessive exercise. The onset is usually late teens.

- Atypical Eating Disorder which can include binge eating disorder or a person who meets all diagnostic criteria for both anorexia and bulimia.

There are many different symptoms of an eating disorder and they can be split up in three different categories; physical symptoms, food-related behaviours and a change in general behaviour.

Sarah added: “Some of the physical symptoms of an eating disorder can include; weight loss, failure to start menstruating or a loss of menstruation, dizziness or sometimes fainting. tiredness, stomach pains or feeling full even though little is eaten. Low body temperature/feeling cold even in summer. Hair may become dull or hair may fall out. Other physcial symptoms could include tension headaches and sweating.

“Food related behaviours and symptoms such as preoccupation with food weight and body, sensitivity about eating or restrictive eating or smaller portion sizes or calorie content of food. Preference for eating alone or denying hunger. Irritability when meal times are earlier or later than usual, distress before or after meals and guilt about eating. Excessive water intake or cooking for family and spending time reading cookery books.

“Symptoms of a change in general behaviour can include frequent weighing, excessive exercise, gathering info on dieting from leaflets, self-dislike, increased defiance and stubbornness, social withdrawal, rigid routines, fear of gaining weight and poor sleep.”

Sarah explained: "When a family realise that their child young person may have a possible eating disorder it is often a very frightening and confusing time for them.

"Reaching out for support is fundamental, asking for help is the most positive thing you may do for your child. Eating disorders whilst serious are treatable and the earlier treatment is sourced the better the outcome and recovery for the person.

"Evidence supports this and also reports that mothers of young people with eating disorders are severely impacted by the illness given the impact on their child physically, emotionally and socially.

"Parents know when something doesn’t fit with their child so it is always ok to seek support through GP , ask questions avail of an online resource such as BEAT.”

Finally speaking on the recovery of an Eating Disorder, Sarah said: "It is precisely because the eating disorder serves a purpose that it becomes very difficult to stop its progress. For the person affected, the eating disorder can seem like an effective coping mechanism and it can take hold very quickly. This is why it is difficult to stop its progress.

"The longer it is established, the more it takes on a life of its own and takes over the life of the person affected, so early intervention is really important. Often, by the time they begin to understand what is happening, they are unable and too scared to try and stop. It is as if the eating disorder is now controlling them."

She continued: "Recovery requires working on underlying issues, building self-esteem, and learning to manage and express feelings, as well as addressing the physical and nutritional aspects of the disorder.

"Recovery takes great courage and commitment. Much sensitivity, compassion, respect, understanding and patience will be needed by those around them (family, friends, G.P., and other members of the treatment team) if a person is to be successfully encouraged and supported on their journey towards recovery.

"People recover from Eating Disorders all the time and the journey to recovery is one of discovery; discovering their strengths; discovering their fears and over coming them; and finally discovering whom they truly are without an eating disorder attached to their lives."

If you need support, these charities and organisations are here for you:

Samaritans - Tel:116 123; website: www.samaritans.org; email: jo@samaritans.org

Aisling Centre, Enniskillen - Tel: 028 66 325811; website: www.theaislingcentre.com

Action Mental Health/New Horizons - Tel: 028 66 323630; website: www.amh.org.uk

Saneline - Tel: 0300 304 7000 (4.30 - 1.30pm daily) 

Cruse Bereavement Care - Tel: 0808 808 1677 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm); website: www.cruse.org.uk

MIND - Tel: 0300 123 3393; website: www.mind.org.uk

Pieta House - Tel: 1800 247 247; Text Help to 51444; website: www.pieta.ie

YoungMinds - Tel: 0808 802 5544; website: www.youngminds.org.uk

The Tranquil Tree, Frances Rooney - Tel: 07888847589; email: frances.rooney@yahoo.co.uk

Ray of Light, Sukhada Smith-Repass - Tel: 07713744589; email: rayoflight108@icloud.com

Fermanagh Womens Aid - Tel: 028 66 328898

Community Advice Fermanagh - Tel: 07394921753; email: speoples@communityadvicefermanagh.com  

Nexus NI - Tel: 028 66 32 0046; website: www.nexusni.org

Lifeline - Tel: 0808 808 8000; website: www.lifelinehelpline.info/

Fermanagh House, Connect Fermanagh - Tel:028 66 320230; website: www.connectfermanagh.org

Fermanagh Rural Community Initiative - Tel: 028 66 326478

Family Mediation - Tel: 028 90 243265; website: enquiry@familymediationni.org.uk

Belcoo Pharmacy - Tel: 028 66 386931

Erne Pharmacy - Tel: 028 66 322291

Mindwise - Tel: 07773221967; email: carmel.rooney@mindwisenv.org