Carers in touch

Living with an eating disorder is stressful for the person affected but also for the family and carers

Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses which take over people’s lives and families often feel helpless to know how to deal with the situation.

Lynn Crilly and her husband, Kevin were suddenly thrown into the role of carers when one of their twin daughters, Samantha, developed anorexia at the age of 13.

For the next ten years, Lynn and her family tried every avenue of support without much success and real progress only started when Lynn vowed to help Samantha herself.

“Slowly, with baby steps, Samantha responded to the treatment plan we worked out together,” said Lynn. “She came through the eating disorder but was then overtaken by obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). As a family we never gave up hope that she’d get better.”

Supporting Samantha changed Lynn’s life and she is now a mental health counsellor, helping other people with mental health concerns. The second edition of her book, Hope with Eating Disorders, was published in 2019. Her latest book, Hope with Anxiety, is published this month. This book will be useful for people suffering from stress due to the pandemic.

“Anorexia affects the whole family and I am now committed to helping other families who are struggling with the burden of mental illness and to break the myths and stigma that surround it. Grandparents in particular have an important supportive role to play. My family is proof that a return to happiness is possible.”

■ For more information about eating disorders, visit www.beateatingdisorders. org.uk or call the helpline on 0808 801 0677. To find out more about Lynn and her work with all aspects of mental health, visit www. lynncrilly.com Buy the books on Amazon