Eating disorder cases on the rise in Coventry and Warwickshire
1 in 50 people are living with an eating disorder in Coventry and Warwickshire, according to Mind
Health experts are seeing a rise in people being diagnosed with eating disorders in Coventry and Warwickshire.
According to mental health charity Mind, one in 50 people in the region struggle with their relationship with food.
This comes as Eating Disorder Awareness is taking place this week.
Dr Hannah Andrews, from Coventry & Warwickshire Partnership Trust, is the head of service for eating disorders.
Dr Andrews has been telling us that there is a stigma attached to eating disorders that often causes the condition to go unseen.
Dr Andrews said: "I think historically it's always been seen as a female illness or something that affects teenagers more than other age groups.
"That has shifted slightly thankfully but it's still a hidden illness.
"There's a lot shame attached to having eating disorder and people find it quite difficult to speak out. They're worried about the response they may get.
"It can affect anybody of any age, any shape and size, any gender and I think we've still got a lot of work to do in really getting that message out."
When asked why there is a rise in eating disorders in the region - Dr Andrews said it's caused by many factors but social media was a main trigger, especially amongst young people.
Dr Andrews said: "There definitely is a rise in eating disorders and I think there's a lot of pressure on people to be a particular size and shape.
"There's a lot of stuff around social media that perhaps increases that message. There's a lot more pressure on young people, particularly to, you know, be a particular size and shape."
Dr Andrews continues: "To prevent this I think we need to spread awareness early by doing a lot of early work in schools particularly.
"I've worked with young people with eating disorders and the just seem to be getting younger.
"The more information we can give from an early age about what healthy normal eating is and the warning signs we can look out for if someone is struggling with their eating the easier it will be for them to seek help."
Dr Andrews added how people can seek help if they are suffering and are not sure where to turn.
Dr Andrews said: "Once you start talking you'll feel quite empowered.
"You then start getting control back of your journey.
"Be kind to yourself, have that self compassion, it's not your fault that you're experiencing this, but actually you do need to seek help to kind of get past it and to actually recover from it.
"Support there, it is available. So please do reach out to your GP who can refer you to us at Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership Trust."
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