Experiences of inpatient treatment for a teenager with anorexia

[Patear]

My 14-year-old daughter is going into an inpatient eating-disorder unit for anorexia, and I’m feeling quite worried and nervous about it. I would really appreciate hearing from other parents about their experiences — what the hospital stay was like, how the treatment worked, how their child coped with meals and the first few weeks, and how things were after coming home. Any advice or experiences would mean a lot. ❤️

Hi @Patear its good to hear from you, I am glad you now know what is happening.

Have they advised where the unit will be? Are yph on a paediatric ward in a general hospital while they find somewhere.

I don’t have experience of inpatient, but have been on the threads for a while and heard lots of first hand experience. I will wait and see if others are still on here and reply. I’m thinking of you. I know this is a tough time but it really should be a turning point for your daughter.

I have witnessed this in a close relative that they also went to hospital for Anorexia treatment and in the beginning it is tough but gradually when you observe the condition of your patient being improved, then you realise that it actually works. Their cognitions are changed in order to improve their behaviors and this works in a cycle so it is a time taking process so be patient and stay positive.

I'm sorry I can't help but I just wanted to wish you and your daughter well. My DD was extremely close to being admitted for in-patient treatment at the age of 20.

Thanks to support from the university health service, she's come through it, graduated and is now at law school.

I hope you get all the help you need.

Hi. I’m sorry you and your daughter are in this position. My daughter was 13 when she was first admitted . She was on a section 2 initially (28days) and was transferred to an ED unit from a general Paeds ward. She was then transferred to section 3 so was around 4 months in total.

im not going to lie the experience was pretty traumatic. But there wasn’t another option and I presume that’s the case for you too. It’s a devastating illness.

My daughter is 17 now and coming out the other side. She’s still in touch with many of the girls she’s met on inpatient or day hospital stays and the majority of them have recovered and are off living their lives.

Dont underestimate the toll it takes on you. I tried to keep working as much as possible once she was in hospital but it was very difficult.

Happy to answer any questions.

No advice but sending support your way. My close was admitted for treatment at a similar age and is leading a very normal adult life now.

I don’t know much about what it’s like inside but I had a friend who was hospitalised for Ana aged 16. She is now 31, married, good job, happy. Keep hope.