Before my c-PTSD (Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) struck around 10 or 11 years ago, I did quite a few media appearances and interviews about boys with eating disorders, also talking about how my son, Ben, was well on the way to recovery from anorexia. But I had to put on the brakes when the c-PTSD symptoms got worse. I got to the stage where I couldn't talk about eating disorders, I couldn't write or blog about eating disorders, I couldn't even think about eating disorders. And I definitely couldn't go into depth about our family's battle to get our son through anorexia.
Then the other week a journalist from a national newspaper got in touch, asking if I'd be willing to be interviewed for an article on eating disorders in boys. I said yes, for the first time for ages. However...
...It has been a rollercoaster of an experience. It re-triggered my trauma symptoms, something which took me by surprise as I thought I was getting over PTSD, but obviously I'm not as recovered as I thought I was!
The journalist has been brilliant, though. She "gets it" which isn't always the case with the media.
She has been very understanding.
But it's meant that I've had to go back in, deep, into our story.
I found that hard.
But I've always said that if our story helps just one family to identify the signs of an eating disorder in their son or daughter, get swift evidence-based treatment and discover resources where they can get support - like the FEAST website and its forum for parents of young people with eating disorders, then talking or writing about my son's battle with anorexia has been worth it.
The Good News is that our story has a happy ending.
My son, Ben, now aged 31, is now fully recovered from anorexia. He went on to do a Masters Degree in Psychology and was awarded a Distinction for his study into Compassion-Focused Therapy and the Compassionate Mind. (Find out more about CFT here: https://www.compassionatemind.co.uk/)
Two years ago, he began working at a residential mental health support facility where he uses his own experiences to help others.
He may even go on to become a therapist - or do research into certain mental health conditions and evidence-based treatments.
Whichever way, he sees his future in mental health services, helping others.
How amazing is that?
He and I are about to go on a walking holiday together - a far cry from the horrendous anorexia-fuelled holidays of the past.
These days, he knows so much about mental health that sometimes I feel as if he's my own therapist! Doubtless, we'll be talking about mental health as we tramp across the moors of the South West next week.
When Ben was awarded his Masters degree, I cried with pride.
As he continues to use his experiences to help others, I continue to be proud of my amazing boy (well, man - he's 31 now!)
I am one heck of a proud Mama.
I hope our story brings hope to other families that young people can recover from eating disorders and go on to achieve amazing things in their lives.
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