Natalie Spicer,the foundation’s head of clinical and support services,said some calls to the helpline were going unanswered because they did not have enough staff. She said the charity was also experiencing strong demand for its recently launched online program helping people transition back into the community from hospital-based and residential programs.
“There are a lot of revolving doors with people going home,relapsing and then having to be readmitted,so the hope of our program is to jump in that period,” she said. “This in turn will help limit pressure on the health system,reduce the likelihood of readmissions and ensure people can be supported within their own communities. ”
Hospitalisation is often a last resort to stabilise people with serious health issues arising from eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa,bulimia nervosa and disordered binge-eating.
But for Hanna Patricia,who was diagnosed with a binge-eating disorder after being hospitalised for severe anxiety and depression at 18,seeing and speaking to people receiving treatment for anorexia nervosa and bulimia was like “flicking a switch”.
“I went from one eating disorder – within a few days – into anorexia mode.”
Hanna Patricia
“I went from one eating disorder – within a few days – into anorexia mode,” she said. “That was never something that I ever thought that I would be capable of,just because of not having control of food most of my life.”
She said online sessions,where participants can join in private and only have to show their face,would lessen the fear and stigma of seeking help.