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See all MNHQ comments on this thread

Original poster

Eating Disorders section

37 replies

IWishYouWould · 01/12/2013 21:50

Would it be possible to add this to the list of topics please? Those of us who are affected don't quite fall into other existing categories. Also there are so many variations of these conditions, that I feel having our own area would be beneficial to us. There are a lot of peple looking for support on MN, which is hard to find.

OP posts:
Hermione123 · 02/12/2013 13:36

Agree with this post, fairly long time mental health lurker and surprised there was no specific section.

MNHQ
KateSMumsnet · 03/12/2013 14:41

Thanks for suggesting this IWishYouWould - what do other folks think?

SoonToBeSix · 03/12/2013 14:49

I think there should be a specific section.

Ephiny · 03/12/2013 21:38

I think it's a good idea. I would find it useful. It could be a topic in the Health section, maybe?

StolenStollen · 03/12/2013 22:14

I'd like a child and adolescent eating disorder section. Sadly, DD is currently in a ed unit suffering from bulimia. I never noticed, I'd like to help other parents.

OLittleTownOfBarflehem · 03/12/2013 22:15

I agree with the OP.

NorthernShores · 03/12/2013 22:18

I'd be interested perhaps. Especially if it covered binge eating, bulimia etc as well.

The only worry in the back of my mind is that sometimes discussion can be unhelpful/ unhealthy. There's a few rules at our eating disorder group
Not that I'd v want rules on mn, just aware of the issue.

OLittleTownOfBarflehem · 03/12/2013 22:18

And stolen I'm sorry about your DD. They are awful illnesses with so many myths and half-truths surrounding them. Very few people understand that it's not as simple as "just eating" or "stop making yourself sick" or "stop overeating"

I hope she recovers soon, and finds strength for the rest of this road.

OLittleTownOfBarflehem · 03/12/2013 22:20

Northen, that's a good point. I know that other peoples food issues can trigger mine, even if they are opposite ends. There would need to be riules.

3asAbird · 04/12/2013 07:41

I thinks its good idea as parents and kids can suffer from eating disorders can hit at at any age.

Stolen sorry hear your childs in unit hope she makes speedy recovery.

Eating disorders are very secretive often people dont know even harder to spot bulimia.

Awkwardsis · 04/12/2013 07:49

I can see why people might want a section specifically for this. But as someone who is 'recovered' I think I'd actually find it rather unhelpful to see the topic pop up in active convos. The smallest things can be very triggering to many people. I know from my experiences that the temptation is to compete against others, it really can be a double edged sword to talk with other sufferers. If people want it, would it be possible to have it in an 'off the beaten track' kind of way. There are excellent forums out there for help, I found Something Fishy very helpful when I needed it most. They have some very reasonable rules like not talking about specific weights or calories, those things get deleted very fast over there. But I like MN for being so un moderated so I'm not sure people would be happy with that either.

Hermione123 · 04/12/2013 08:18

I do suspect based on other mn threads when people have given bad advice they are pretty quickly called out by the other posters, would have thought guidelines could help people not intending to cause issues though.

3asAbird · 04/12/2013 08:19

I did look at something fishy its usa site and wont accept hotmail or gmail email addresses so havent registered yet as would need to set up new email.

shame mumsnet couldnt have option on personal profile of hiding specific sections that people dont use or want to see.

Maybe im mad but i hate really sad news stories involving kids so try and avoid those posts.

DeepThought · 04/12/2013 08:26

The Hide Topic option is great

I think an ED topic would be very helpful, a yes from me

DeepThought · 04/12/2013 08:28

You can hide topics through the My Mumsnet clicker above ^^

DeepThought · 04/12/2013 08:40

You can hide topics through the My Mumsnet clicker above ^^

MNHQ
RowanMumsnet · 04/12/2013 09:34

Thanks for all the feedback; we'll have a look into this.

Original poster
IWishYouWould · 04/12/2013 10:23

I'm glad people have seen the request. This topic touches so many people, not only those who have a condition. I totally agree that there would need to be guidelines too, to prevent anyone being drawn into a thread for competitive reasons. But as mentioned other posters can be very good at pointing out unhelpful and unnecessary info.
With regards to using the OTBT, I can see the benefits of it not being in daily chat. but I can also see the drawbacks to this. My initial reaction being it could be hard for people to find the topic?
Its obviously a sensitive subject for us all, but I honestly believe that not having somewhere for specific support right now, is far more damaging. I have started a thread in mental health and there are a few of us there now, all needing help for one particular eating disorder. It hust made me wonder how many others are looking for the help and advice. Thanks MNHQ for considering this.

OP posts:
Original poster
IWishYouWould · 04/12/2013 10:28

Stolen, I'm sorry to hear about your DD. I can't offer specific advice on bulemia. But I can say that from reading your post, the fact your looking for help and advice for her and yourself is really great. Knowing your there for her and she is loved will help her. Obviously it won't make it go away, but having this absent as a teen made my situation far worse. I wish you and your family the best on this hard journey. Thanks

OP posts:
OLittleTownOfBarflehem · 04/12/2013 10:52

Iwish, I didn't realise that there was a support thread already running. I could do with taking a look at it tbh.

revivingshower · 04/12/2013 11:53

I have been trying to support someone on their thread about recovering, I don't know much about it or the right thing to say, but I can see having a support thread would be a big help to people. When I read about this persons case I was going to say go on a proper recovery forum but when I googled for one it was hard to find anything. I think if you were a bit down anyway you might find it hard to search so it would be great to at least provide some easy to use links so people can find something easily.

StolenStollen · 04/12/2013 15:17

Thanks Iwish. I didn't notice until it was too late tbh. I wish DD had voiced her concerns about her body and I'd have helped her, she didn't need to turn to an eating disorder to feel better about herself.
I don't want another parent to feel as shit as I did when DD finally told me, I'd like to help people help there children.

OLittleTownOfBarflehem · 04/12/2013 15:59

Stolen, I understand how helpless you feel, but try to remember - its not about your parenting, or even just about how she looks. EDs are rooted in control and secrecy. We are fucking geniuses when it comes to hiding it. We could work for MI5, or the mafia. And we will never be content with our weight, lives or appearance because that's not really what we want to control.

There's very little you could have done.

Oh, and don't be surprised if she makes some v innappropriate jokes. My db was on that 5:2 diet and I was offering to give him fasting tips. He was horified, I thought it was hilarious.

bootsycollins · 04/12/2013 16:07

I hope your daughter is ok stolen Thanks. My 16 year old dd has been resident in an ED unit for 5 months, she has anorexia. It would be good to have a caring for somebody with an ED section.

StolenStollen · 04/12/2013 16:27

She's ok, I'm very glad she's getting very good care. (We are in Manchester, she's in the ed unit attached to the children's hospital).
She's made some jokes that disturbed me but if that's ok good.
She will get better, its just a long road ahead.