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Inishowen teens seek help for
anorexia 02.09.08
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Bodywhys support group
starting up TEENAGERS in Inishowen
as young as 14 are seeking help for eating disorders
such as anorexia and bulimia, according to a local
mental health organisation.
Moville and District Mental Health Association is in
the process of setting up a support group at
Serenity House to help them.
Association chairperson Maura Cannon said the
support group is being formed in association with
Bodywhys, the Eating Disorders Association of
Ireland. |
"As far as we know, we
will be first Bodywhys support group in Donegal and
it will be open to everyone in Inishowen as well as
the wider county," said Maura.
"We had been contacted by quite a number of parents
of young teenagers displaying the symptoms of either
anorexia or bulimia. The youngest person was just 14
and while all were female, we have no doubt that
there are young males out there too with eating
disorders."
A representative from Bodywhys will host a public
information evening later this month |
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in Moville to explain
what eating disorders are and to discuss the role
that a support group can play in recovery. The
information evening will also tackle the stigma that
can leave people with anorexia and bulimia suffering
in silence.
"Because an eating disorder is a psychological
condition, many people are afraid to talk about it
or to seek help.
"All we need is a couple of people to come forward
and join the support group and more will follow.
Everyone will be treated with the utmost
confidentiality," added Maura. An information night
will be held in Moville this month and a
representative from Bodywhys, Dublin will attend.
The exact date is still being confirmed so for
further information, please contact Serenity House
on 9382945. |
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