TRANSCRIPT
A trained nurse and a parent, Belinda Caldwell knows the difference early diagnosis and peer support can make to the recovery process.
Her daughter was diagnosed with the eating disorder Anorexia Nervosa - and it took at least six years to get healthy again.
The experience led her to help other families navigating the same challenges in her current role as the CEO of Eating Disorders Victoria.
"Eating disorders are deeply painful illnesses, for those who experience them, and for their parents, families, friends and partners. Responding to eating disorders effectively is a systemic issue. For too long, our system has been fragmented, inequitable and frustrating. Eating disorders along with substance abuse have the highest mortality rate in any psychiatric disorders. But with early intervention and prompt support, we know that recovery is not only possible, but propable. We already have the treatment and support models that work. Any death from eating disorders in Victoria today should, and can be totally, avoidable."
She welcomes the new eating disorders strategy announced by the Victorian government, which emphasises evidenced-based community peer support.
The seven-year plan will be funded with 31 million dollars from the state budget.
It includes introduction of new in-home care programs and a new initiative in regional Victoria, to ensure services are close to people.
This work will be delivered across five metropolitan services and also five regional services.
Ten early intervention professionals will also guide the recovery process.
Premier Jacinta Allan says addressing eating disorders is essential for the well-being of Victorians.
"There are something like 300,000 Victorians have a lived experience of an eating disorder. And we also know, particularly in the last decade, that those numbers are increasing. There's a range of reasons why those numbers are increasing. We know the global pandemic had an impact for many people. We also know that the toxicity that can be found on social media can absolutely affect people with an eating disorder; and at times make their conditions worse."
Data shows the number of eating disorder-related emergency department presentations in Victoria averaged 32 per week in May 2024 - up from almost 23 per week the year before.
Experts say stigma means the prevalence of eating disorders is under-reported.
The new strategy involved input from more than 250 people, including those with or at risk of eating disorders, health services, clinical experts and advocacy groups.
After recovering from an eating disorder herself, Camille is now helping others through the peer support program at Eating Disorders Victoria.
She says community support is key.
"Someone with eating disorder feel very isolated. It's very hard to understand. It's hard for family members and friends to understand what you are going through. So to have somebody that is experienced in all facets of their life, including eating disorders, is very valuable."
Last year, the federal government released a 10-year plan to help the one million Australians living with an eating disorder.
It aims to provide a nationally consistent, coordinated and evidence-based system for service delivery.
Research by the InsideOut Institute for Eating Disorders, at the University of Sydney, found 40 per cent of Australians with an eating disorder were going undiagnosed, after an increase in eating disorder symptoms during COVID-19 lockdown.
The symptoms included: body image concerns, food restriction and binge eating.
Women are twice as likely as men to have an eating disorder.
There has also an increase in cases among younger Australians, with the prevalence almost doubling from 2012 to 2023 among 10-19 year-olds, according to a report by Deloitte Access Economics.
Victorian Mental Health Minister Ingrid Stitt says it is important to counter the ignorance and stigma that prevent people from seeking help.
"The more we can talk about eating disorders and acknowledge they are serious mental health conditions, the more we can encourage our people to come forward and seek the help they need. And that's why we are so proud through this state budget investment to ensure that we are boosting services - not only in metropolitan Melbourne, but also across regional Victoria, with a very strong focus on trying to intervene in a person's journey early. And also different models of care, so that we are delivering care not only in our health services, but also in home settings, which can be incredibly important when we are dealing with eating disorders, and people in significant mental health distress."
Listeners seeking support can contact the national support line for eating disorders, 1800 ED HOPE (1800 33 4673), for free, confidential support, help and information.
