Given the circumstances I was very fortunate to get the essential help to treat the eating disorder. My parents, at the advice of my psychologist, took me to Canada for treatment. I acquired the necessary tools in the form of therapy, healthy eating and exercising, healthy self-esteem, and a holistic image of myself. I will never forget my experience in Homewood Health Centre where I was treated. Without this type of support I would have never been able to beat this disorder.
It’s been ten years since I was treated for my eating disorders, and I am now fortunate to be a mother of a beautiful daughter. Having gone through a terrible phase in life I am very aware, and in some ways prepared that my daughter in some form or other may face body image distortion. Whilst writing this piece and thinking of her I am glad in some ways to have gone through this awful experience.
My parents were very strong and determined to get me help. They could have done a few things differently but they did what they thought best given the limited knowledge and awareness. They supported me through every phase of treatment.
Given the current pressure our society puts on thinness and glamour, parents need to be on high alert to protect their children from falling into this trap of obsession. Body image distortion and eating disorders revolve around lack of control. We need to assess our parenting philosophies and beliefs. Eating disorders escalate with pressure, stress and low self-esteem.
We need to bring up our children such that they develop self confidence, give them freedom of choice and freedom to explore their world. We should build such a relationship with our children that they feel comfortable confiding in us. Healthy discussions on controversial topics should be encouraged in families. We should appreciate our children for their achievements and reassure them through their failures. Healthy competition should also be encouraged.
Eating disorders are a menace that can completely destroy one’s life. Even with recovery, scars are left. As a mother I will always try and build a close relationship with my daughter and give her the necessary means to develop a healthy body image and self esteem so she grows up to be a confident child. This will hopefully help ensure she can exercise enough control in her life and would not need to take the help of a peril like eating disorders to voice her needs and emotional pain.
