We are supporting BEAT again this EDAW because the campaign for more Eating Disorder Awareness training for medical professionals is particularly close to our hearts.

Our experience has been that throughout health services, knowledge of Eating Disorders is very minimal and often completely lacking. This caused significant delays in getting appropriate care and treatment. It also led to a steep decline in our daughters health, as she felt her illness could not be that serious if it was being dismissed by our GP. 

Added to this, the link between other health conditions (such as BPD) and Eating Disorders is often overlooked or completely missed. In our case, it was dismissed even when we knew it was a major factor and had evidence to support this.

Early intervention saves lives. We asked for help 4 years ago and are only now receiving appropriate support and treatment. This is still limited due to the chronic lack of appropriately trained professionals.

During this time our daughter has attempted suicide many times and regularly self-harms.  She  is currently a Tier 4 inpatient at a mental health unit.  Thankfully, in large thanks to advice and support  from BEAT she is in recovery from Anorexia Nervosa. Sadly, she is still very unwell due to the underlying cause of the eating disorder most likely being BPD. 

There are no words sufficient to describe our heartbreaking experience. Please support this campaign. BEAT helped us when we felt completely alone.  By helping them to raise donations and awareness you will be helping countless others.