Eating disorder support group gets new website courtesy survivor’s parents

HALIFAX – A local organization that helps people suffering eating disorders has a new redesigned website courtesy of the parents of a survivor of anorexia nervosa.

“I would like to help other people. If I could save a parent out there five minutes suffering – I would have welcomed that,” said Anne Marie Coolen.

Her daughter, Emily, 21, has been dealing with the illness since she was 10.

Emily’s father, a graphic designer, and Anne Marie worked together to create Eating Disorders Nova Scotia (EDNS)’s website. The organization offers peer support, information, and other options to help people with eating disorders.

“As a small non-profit, we don’t have a lot of resources to devote to something as important as this information,” said Shaleen Jones, a coordinator at EDNS. “I’m so grateful for them, that they were able to contribute their time and talent to this project.”

According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, the number of emergency department visits by females for eating disorders has tripled between 2010-2013; from 11 to 44, respectively.

“It was devastating in pretty much every aspect, and the hardest part about it was that, for the longest time, I refused to accept that it was devastating,” said Emily, who had to go to the emergency room when she was 15 because of her anorexia.

Anne Marie said it was a struggle to get Emily properly diagnosed and then access the support needed to deal with all the issues that come with it.

“I used to sometimes wake up in the morning and think, ‘I have to crawl back on this treadmill of dread,’” she said.

Emily says it took time and effort, but she realized she could overcome the illness.

“I think that’s the most important thing to know, is that, you know, A: you’re not alone in this, and B: you don’t have to be in this forever,” said Emily, who is in her final year of university.