Professional woman in her forties, starving – what can her best friend do? Act
Professional woman in her forties, starving – what can her best friend do? Act
Watching a dear friend descend into the hell of an eating disorder can cause feelings of utter helplessness – what to do, how to help? When her friend developed anorexia nervosa more than 12 months ago, Judy Baulch was feeling ‘absolutely powerless’.
“Helplessness was accompanied by frustration and disbelief as the cracks my friend had fallen through in the health care system became more and more obvious,” Judy said.
“It seemed to me that she was put in a ‘too hard’ basket. What does one do with a professional woman in her forties, with a marriage and children, who is slowly starving to death in the grip of a poorly understood mental illness?
“I thought there must be other older women struggling with an eating disorder, unaware of how to find help. I started with the Internet and found I was right – there were way too many women out there suffering.
“And so I decided to use the platform available to me as a journalist to let them know they were not alone in the world. I wanted the people who care for those with eating disorders to know they also are not alone. And I wanted to discover the resources available in my hometown of Geelong, to find out where my friend and her family could get help.
“Most of all, I wanted everyone to know the truth about eating disorders – that they don’t just affect adolescents girls, they are not a lifestyle choice or a bid for attention and that recovery is possible – no matter how old you are.”
Read Judy’s article, in www.rubymagazine.com.au, published by Adcell Group, here: Ruby Autumn 16 Eating Disorders
World Eating Disorders Action Day
I extend encouragement to Judy’s friend on her healing journey. Knowing someone cares can make the world of difference when experiencing an eating disorder. This is one of the important messages to share in all corners of the globe on the first-ever World Eating Disorders Action Day, on June 2. As Judy exemplifies, in writing about her friend, we can all act, we can each do something to help someone who is suffering.
Join me in supporting World Eating Disorders Action Day. Be sure to follow along on twitter @WorldEDDay and hashtag #WeDoAct, #WorldEDActionDay, @WorldEatingDisordersAction on Instagram and World Eating Disorders Action Dayon Facebook.
As founder of Life Stories Diary my prime motivation is to connect with people who want to share their story. Why? Because your story is important. My goal with this blog is to provide a platform for you to share your story with others. Building on the accomplishments of The Diary Healer the Life Stories Diary blog will continue to be a voice for people who have experienced an eating disorder, trauma or other mental health challenge, and provide inspiration through the narrative, to live a full and meaningful life.
My nine books about eating disorders focus on learning through story-sharing. Prior to writing books, which include my memoir, I had a long career in print journalism. In 2017, I graduated as a Doctor of Philosophy (Creative Writing), researching the usefulness of journaling and writing when recovering from an eating disorder or other traumatic experience.
Today I combine my writing expertise with life experience to help others self-heal. Clients receive mentoring in narrative techniques and guidance in memoir-writing. I also share my editing expertise with people who are writing their story and wish to prepare it to publication standard. I encourage everyone to write their story. Your story counts!
Contact me: Email june@junealexander.com and on Facebook and LinkedIn.
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