By Chad Feehan / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Mount Pearl council was given a presentation Tuesday on not only the struggles people with eating disorders face, but also the supports available if they ask for help.
Paul Thomey, executive director of the Eating Disorders Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador, made what has become an annual visit to council to speak about Eating Disorder Awareness Week, which occurs during the first week of February.
Thomey noted that eating disorders affect the individuals suffering from them, as well as their families, their routines, and the way loved ones react.
One of the organization's priorities is helping families understand the illness so that they can help people on their road to recovery.
“There is recovery, and it is a journey,” Thomey said. “Some journeys are rocky, some are a little bit smoother, but it’s important that the family be involved and that’s one thing we focus our time and attention on.”
Thomey said one way to help people in need is by spreading awareness, such as through speaking before council.
“There is hope… and early detection, prevention, and talking about it and getting it out in the open is what we believe is vitally important,” he said.
Councilor Chelsea Lane, who like many teachers, has had experience with students who have eating disorders. She highlighted the possibility of there being increased stigmatization for boys with eating disorders who may not speak about the issue as freely.
Thomey said giving teachers, guidance counselors, and parents the right education skillset is a priority, but there are also certain messages they want to present to students.
“In the student's case we want to talk about body image,” said Thomey. “It’s not a specific standard. It’s about everybody being comfortable with who you are.”
Councillor Isabelle Fry wondered what, upon suspicion that a loved one may have an eating disorder, would be the best course of action to take.
“Your first step is to call us, call the foundation,” Thomey said, noting staff have experience with family members who have had eating disorders. “They’ve gone through it so they know what to do.”
The organization can provide information, or perhaps even suggest speaking to a family doctor to seek referral to a program. Thomey lauded the adolescent medicine program at the Janeway, as well as the Province’s services for adults.
“We do have great treatment programs in this province. We are second to none anywhere in Atlantic Canada,” he said. “Do we have wait times like any part of the medical system? Yes, but if someone is sick enough, we will get them into the system. We can be your gateway and that’s what we want to be.”
Councillor Jim Locke, a retired teacher, said he often dealt with body image issues in his lesson planning. He asked Thomey about the catalysts for eating disorders, and how best to tackle those issues with students.
Thomey explained there is no one trigger for an eating disorder, but that a variety of factors may come into play, including genetics, social media, peer influence, and mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression.
“There is no perfect indicator,” he said. “We’ve had great success in recent years with our emotion focused family therapy with many guidance counselors across the province having come and done that training. We are gradually getting into the school system. We just have to find better ways and more ways to get our programs out there.”
In February, the Eating Disorders Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador will host a webinar with psychologist Dr. Sarah Pegram that will be open to the public.
