Bethan Jenkins AC/AM Blog

Just got back from the Eating Disorders Carers conference. I did the opening address to the conference, followed by an inspiring speech by Dr David Samuel on his experiences with an eating disorder. I’m a little disappointed we didn’t get media interest, purely because of the money invested in eating disorders of late, and the launch of Beat Cymru today. Oh well, can’t win them all!

Over lunch I managed to speak one to one with some of the carers, and I seriously cannot imagine what they are going through. Some told me of their experiences of their partners trying to commit suicide as they got so depressed with their illnesses, and how helpless they felt as confidentiality matters meant they could not find out about discussions between their loved ones and their Doctors.

Others told me that those they care for self harm on a regular basis, and that Doctors who treat them have little if no understanding or empathy with them. One carer went as far as to say that anorexia and bullimia was deemed ‘ a dirty illness” due to the stigma around the fact that many believe it to be self induced, that it was the sufferers ‘fault’- regardless of the fact that it is clearly a mental illness.

Nevertheless one of the most shocking stories I heard today was from a mother who told me that her daughter is currently receiving specialist treatment in South Africa, as she cannot affordd the fees in this country. She’s out there on her own without her family. I can’t even start to explain how angry I am that they felt that they had to take that decision.

The message from the day is, yes the new money and the launch of Beat Cymru is fantastic, but there is so much yet to be done to beat eating disorders in Wales. If I have anything to do with it, ill make sure we try our best!