... to those around them. To talk out loud about their feelings of guilt or low personal esteem, creating them an urge to disappear. The illness they developed became their 'shameful friend'. By focusing their energies on controlling their bodies, they have found a shelter from having to face the more painful issues at the center of their lives. A way of coping pointlessly, but a way of coping with a situation they were finding unbearable. An expression of how they felt about themselves and the life they were living. Some people suffering from eating disorders can get help from friends and family close to them where they can bravely learn to face together the deeper problems which had been expressed through their disease. With time and patience and maybe a substantial amount of specialist support, many of these people will get well. But sadly for others it will be too late. So ...

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