Author: Cendrine Tremblay
Today is World Eating Disorders Action Day (WEDAD). WEDAD is a movement that strives to expand global awareness of eating disorders as genetically derived, treatable illnesses that can affect anyone. Every year, Silver Linings Foundation joins in this day of action and I feel this year's theme is especially poignant.
“Caring for Carers” focuses on the need to support those caring for someone with an eating disorder. As you may know, eating disorders can have a ripple effect of devastation, impacting those around the person suffering. As a parent of a child who struggled with an eating disorder, I am acutely aware of the confusion, pain and profound feeling of helplessness associated with caring for those suffering from this illness.
Caregiving is a full time job and when you add the complexities of an eating disorder, it can be completely overwhelming. On a weekly basis, I talk to desperate parents and caregivers who express their unwavering desire to help, along with their fear that the caregiving is never ending..
The unfortunate truth is on top of the emotional toll of caring for someone with an eating disorder, there can be a great deal of logistical challenges and repercussions. Many parents and caregivers experience significant hurdles just finding appropriate treatment, not to mention the challenges of attending an endless number of appointments which seem to only be available during working hours. This can lead to diminished productivity, reduced income and psychosocial repercussions on family life and interpersonal relationships.
For families in Alberta, these challenges are almost guaranteed. Alberta does not have sufficient treatment options for long-term eating disorder recovery. Without a live-in treatment centre, many families are forced to look for help out of province, where treatment can cost approximately $1,000 USD per day, with an average stay of 90 days. This is prohibitive for most families and without adequate care, there is a significantly greater risk of mortality and, at the very least, years of continued struggle and diminished quality of life.
When you have to choose between paying steep treatment costs, or have to battle the illness for years without adequate care, the true cost is simply too high. Especially when we know that this illness is treatable.
There is hope. With proper long-term care, eating disorder recovery is possible. Silver Linings has been advocating for an enhanced continuum of care model in Alberta which includes the building of a live-in treatment centre.
We need your help. You can help spread the word by sharing this letter, you can donate to our foundation, and you can also be kind–you never know who is struggling.