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‘Don’t suffer in silence’ says ex-anorexic
SPEAKING OUT ... former anorexic Rachel Cowey, who is urging people with eating disorders to tell someone about their problem.
A RECOVERED anorexic from South Tyneside who suffered in silence with her condition is urging others to speak out.
A recent survey showed that almost 90 per cent of people with an eating disorder didn’t seek medical help and this week, to coincide with Eating Disorder Awareness Week, leading charity Beat has launched a campaign to try to get people to talk about their problem.
When Rachel Cowey’s anorexia began, she didn’t realise just how ill she was and spent years in denial before finally facing up to the truth.
The 25-year-old has now dedicated her life to helping others with eating disorders and is backing Beat’s campaign.
She said: “I spent a long time in denial about having an eating disorder.
“I was 16 when I finally faced up to the truth and got some help.
“Until then I was ashamed and confused about what to do.
“The main problem is that eating disorders are classed as a mental health issue and that is still a taboo subject.
“We need to get over that so people feel comfortable talking about them.”
A recent survey by Beat showed the Sunderland University graduate is not alone in hiding her illness from others.
More than half of people with eating disorders didn’t tell anyone because they didn’t know how to.
And 64 per cent of people surveyed waited longer than six months before confiding in someone, while 87 per cent didn’t seek medical help when they first realised they had a problem.
Miss Cowey, of East Avenue, Harton, South Shields, added: “People just don’t know how to talk to people about eating disorders.
“They don’t know what they are for a start. Most people think anorexia is the only one, but bulimia and binge eating are more common.
“But people don’t realise that because no one will discuss them. I’m not afraid to talk about mine.
“I had an eating disorder once, but now I’ve recovered. It takes time and help and people need to be confident enough to talk about it.
“I’m not ashamed and no one else should be.”
A spokesman for Beat said: “We all need to break the silence about eating disorders so that sufferers come forward, loved ones can approach those they are concerned about, and everyone is aware of the illnesses.
“The more people talk about eating disorders in an understanding way, the more those affected will feel they can get support.”
Miss Cowey now runs a Facebook page and blog about recovering from eating disorders with two other girls.
For more information, visit www.team recoveryninja.tumbr.com.
Twitter: @ShieldsGazCrime
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Wednesday 23 May 2012
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