Mental health trust tweets about eating disorders (From Enfield Independent)

Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health Trust tweets about eating disorders

11:00am Wednesday 13th February 2013 in News By Emma Innes

Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health Trust is supporting Eating Disorders Week to help raise awareness of anorexia and bulimia.

The trust is tweeting myths and facts about eating disorders all week.

It is also giving advice on the symptoms and where to get help.

Mary Kennedy, matron at the trust’s Pheonix Wing inpatient unit, said: “Eating disorders are becoming more common, so it’s highly likely you may know someone with an eating disorder. 

“It won’t always be noticeable either, as the most common eating disorder, bulimia, means people look healthy, but they’re actually suffering. 

“The patients who suffer from eating disorders usually have a dilemma, as they want to eat but, when they do, it evokes negative feelings such as shame and guilt.  As a result, they compensate by over-exercising or vomiting.”

Mary added: “It’s a complex illness where patients are frequently ambivalent about treatment so staff are very sensitive and supportive, emphatic in helping these patients towards recovery. 

“During Eating Disorders Week, our social media campaign will help people recognise the symptoms in either themselves or someone they know, and provide practical information on where to get help.”

Eating Disorders Week in organised by national charity B-eat and is running from Monday February 11 to Sunday February 17.