Natalie's Story

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Work with Natalie - an anorexia sufferer.

24 year old Natalie McCulloch has been under the care of a specialised mental health team since being sectioned 10 months ago, suffering from anorexia nervosa. The problem started when she was 11-13 years of age - she gained puppy fat but thought herself as overweight. Natalie lost 6 stones in 6 months between Christmas and June. People didn't understand why she just didn't eat - but as Natalie says; 'if only it was that easy!' She stayed in a specialist clinic in Marlborough as there are no beds in Wales for severe anorexia patients. Natalie's team from Whitchurch work closely with the Marlborough team - her treatment plan is progressing well. She has now moved to a flat in Cardiff where she is learning to cook and live independently. Natalie's care will remain -she will be offered psychological therapy and dietician advice in order to maintain her weight. She now enjoys going out for meals, and choosing what she wants to have and not what she feels she ought to have.
From: Peace of Mind - Ep. 1
First Broadcast : 12 December 2012

Teachers' notes

Age Group : 14-16,16+

Subject : Health & Social Care

Topic : Mental Health

Keywords : Severe Eating Disorder, Anorexia Nervosa, Psychiatry, SHED team, Whitchurch Hospital,

Notes : • Anorexia nervosa is an emotional disorder that focuses on food. In the UK, 1 in every 100 women aged between 15 and 30 years suffer from anorexia. Approximately 10% of anorexia cases that arise are in men. Discuss the various possible causes of anorexia in both men and women. • BEAT (Beating Eating Disorders) and ABC (Anorexia and Bulimia Care) are two organsiations that offer support to adults and young people in the UK to beat their eating disorders. What type of support is available? • What support is available locally/within Wales for adults and young people who have an eating disorder?


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