COSRT’s Jo Coker discusses therapists, eating disorders and lockdown.
Eating disorders including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder and other specified feeding or eating disorders (OSFED), are responsible for more loss of life than any other mental health condition, and sadly are becoming more prevalent, especially in lockdown. It is therefore no surprise that the charity BEAT is reporting that calls to its helpline have increased by 50% and that there has been a 78% rise in contact via social media. Consequently, is vital that every therapist has a working knowledge of the implications for the individual, their intimate relationships and the wider family dynamics,
In lockdown reduction in hospital services and a move to online sessions has further exacerbated this rise for those with an active eating disorder delaying access to services and recovery. For many who generally cope and manage their disorder, the changes to daily routines and the way we normally live have acted as a trigger and many have found old habits returning. Many have suffered bereavement, changes in socialising and accessing normal peer support. This this is especially true of school age children who are home schooling and living with such uncertainty at such a pivotal time of their life.
Due to enforced closure, the lack of the sufferer’s normal gym and swimming sessions have also deprived many of their usual coping mechanisms and routines. Lockdown has also spawned a huge rise in online competitive exercise using brilliant apps such as swift, strava and ifit, and while these are undoubtedly great if you want to get fit, constant comparison and feeling you are not “as good as” others can trigger a response in those who are at risk or in recovery and for many these pressures have been enough to knock their normal equilibrium and cause a relapse.
It is estimated that between 1.25 and 3 million people in the UK are affected by an eating disorder with around 25% being male. Most develop during adolescence the most common age range being 16-40 years old, though increasingly cases are seen in younger and older age groups, all these statistics are likely to be raised following lockdown.
It is therefore vital as relationship therapists that we have a working understanding of these conditions.
Professor Julia Buckroyd will be presenting to us on Saturday 6th February 2021 on Disordered Eating and the impact on Relationships. Please book here.