DISCLAIMER: The following podcast could contain triggering content for anyone currently experiencing an eating disorder or disordered eating behaviour. Please contact the Butterfly Foundation Support Helpline on 1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE) if you become aware of any distressing symptoms.
Over 1 million Australians (about 1 in 20) currently have a clinically diagnosed eating disorder, and approximately 10% of Australians (15% for females) will have an eating disorder at some point in their life. I was shocked to find out these statistics from Juliette Thomson, the resident psychologist at The Butterfly Foundation.
The conversation today dives deeper into the unspoken reality of eating disorders - from my own personal experience and the perspective of a clinical professional. I facilitated this conversation, wanting to open a window of understanding on the development of eating disorders and how we can best identify and support loved ones who may be grappling with this mental illness. As it happened, this podcast taught me far more about the complexities of identifying and understanding this highly prevalent mental illness.
Juliette and the Butterfly Foundation, passionately advocate that everyone’s experiences with eating disorders are different. There are also some shocking statistics regarding eating disorders that are worth being aware of For example, on average, Anorexia affects an individual for around 7 years! However, for some the experience can extend for decades whilst for others this could be only two years.
I hope this conversation can assimilate with the Butterfly Foundation’s mission of being a catalyst for change and increase the awareness of eating disorders in our society. Certainly, there are high-risk groups, but anyone and everyone can be affected by an eating disorder. I strongly urge you to reach out to the services of the Butterfly Foundation should you wish for additional support.
