MHM Magazine

18 | MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS | Issue 2 | 2022 MHM “I was in control until ‘Control’ took control and I lost all control” . This statement summarises what our life could become once an Eating Disorder (ED) takes control of all aspects of our lives. Living with ‘ED’ starts off with a sense of pride and accomplishment but it can very quickly decline into a life lived in secrecy, with many limitations and extreme daily life. It’s only when the person or people around them start experiencing the consequence of these actions that help ends up being sought. In 2013, The Global Burden of Disease study found the significant burden of eating disorders (EDs), was in young women living in high-income countries. However, between 1990 and 2013, the relative ranking of burden of EDs in low - and middle-income countries increased. Eating disorders are commonly associated with comorbid diseases and EDs together with Substance Use Disorders By Jasmin Kooverjee Principal Clinical Psychologist & Head of Psychology Unit, Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital AN OVERVIEW OF EATING DISORDERS