Q&A Series: Jess

Name: Jess

Age: 31

Gender: Female

Q: Can you please tell me a little bit about yourself, and about the eating disorder you have?

A: My name is Jess, I’m 31. I was diagnosed with anorexia in 2015 and ive been in ongoing treatment for it since then. With a lot of ups and downs. But currently I am doing better than I ever have been.

Q: When did you realise you had issues with eating, and what did you do to seek help?

A: My family and friends raised concerns in late 2014, my eating habits had become quite restrictive. I met with my gp the first week of 2015, i told her my family’s concerns and that I felt perhaps they were right and I could use some support.

Q: Did you encounter any difficulties when seeking treatment?

A: Accessing community mental health services was okay. It was trying to access specialist services that was the issue for me. I required inpatient support as my illness progressed and my weight and bmi dropped drastically in 2015. It wasn’t until 2019 that I received this treatment. And even then, i had to fight to receive HSE Funding to go private. It was originally denied in 2017/18 as they thought my weight was ‘too high’. 

Q: What changes would you like to see in eating disorder services?

A: I think at local levels there needs to be more specialist services. Teams should have a dietitian, there should be basic care such as blood pressure monitoring and blood sugars in the mental health services locally. There was one occasion i became quite physically unwell with my blood pressure at an appointment and the dietitian had to bring me across to our casualty department which was unnecessary. I also think there should be a drop down support/up level of support of day patient offered at a local level. This seems to be only available in Dublin. And is inconvenient for those outside of the capital.

Q: What is one thing you would like people to know about eating disorders?

A: That they aren’t a choice. And we know the rules and rituals dont make sense , but they do to the sufferer.

Q: What piece of advice would you give to someone who is struggling with an eating disorder?

A: reach out. There is support there. Although services are lacking in specific specialist treatment, it is better to have some support than to be struggling alone. 

Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?

A: eating disorders aren’t a weight disorder. It is a symptom of the illness but it isn’t the only one.