There is no one cause for an eating disorder; it can be linked to psychological problems, relationship issues, low self-esteem and poor body image.
In recent years with the explosion of social media presence in our everyday lives with all its pressures around perfection and perceived happiness in having the perfect body, reported cases of Anorexia have increased.
Anorexia Nervosa is a physical and mental health condition that changes the way the brain operates. It is therefore a psychological condition and needs to be taken seriously.
Statistics
The average age for an eating disorder is 13-17, though the condition is affecting younger ages of children in greater numbers too.
In the UK, official figures in 2023 show that 1.25 million people were identified with an eating disorder, and a disproportionate number of individuals were under 25.
These numbers have steadily risen over the last three years.
Eating Disorders are a mental illness. The illness can appear to centre around food or body image; however, the root cause often is linked to unresolved emotions, experience of trauma/life changing events in early years, whereby the individual has felt powerless, and feelings of low self-worth have developed.
The control of food intake can provide a way of feeling in control and a way to cope with complex emotions and feelings.
Some will pinpoint the Covid pandemic as a significant cause of a diagnosis of an eating disorder with many people socially isolated with just the influence of social media as an outlet for distraction and stimulation.
The earlier the illness can be identified, and the individual able to access professional help, the better the chances are for fewer relapses, and it is possible to make a full and long recovery in many cases.
It can be difficult to identify the condition, but some warning signs may be:
Dramatic or sudden weight loss, avoidance of eating in front of others, lying about their weight, pushing food around the plate and cutting the food into minute pieces to give the impression more has been eaten. The individual may demonstrate hyperactive behaviours, wearing baggy clothing to disguise weight loss and to hide their body, that they feel so ashamed of, away from people’s sight
When we work with the children and young people (YP) in our care, whom we suspect may be suffering from the condition, either in the early stages or at a possible relapse stage, it can be hard for the Coach to approach in a way that does not cause additional anxiety for the individual.
Our Approach
Our evidence based TSOC approach, where Coaches have received thorough training, has developed over the last 20 years, in the form of an Equine Facilitated Learning Approach, which utilises the horse in forming a therapeutic relationship. By focusing attention on the needs of the horse in relation to his daily needs, diet and the need for exercise as stimulation, constructive feedback, observation and discussions can be had in a safe and non- judgemental environment.
This approach places less pressure on the individual to ‘open up’ and feel comfortable with talking about themselves. The YP will inevitably find it daunting to disclose their condition, often not understanding it themselves or even recognising and accepting that there is a problem.
It takes courage to open up to a dialogue and, as always, the Coach/YP’s relationship is key. There has to be time to build a therapeutic relationship with the horse, Coach and environment to build trust and respect along with an extremely sensitive approach taken throughout the healing process.
Talking therapy is the most likely recommended treatment plan, but often our YP have been through this process with limited success, hence forming a deep mistrust in disclosing to an adult. If we suspect a YP has an eating disorder developing, or already it has been diagnosed, the horses again become invaluable as a Co-Coach and facilitators of positive change.
Through understanding horses social and emotional needs, their herd instincts, their need for acceptance amongst their own… so many similarities that exist between human and horse, gives endless opportunities for exploration that would otherwise be so difficult for many individuals to talk about in a ‘traditional’ talk-based therapy approach.
Equine Co-Coach
We work with the horse being the “third person” to enable a non-judgemental, sensitive, nurturing and empathetic space in which the YP has room to explore their own feelings and emotions, and come to understand more fully, how external pressures and situations in their lives are having such a detrimental effect.
Horses can stop eating or gorge themselves, they can experience low moods which can be attributed to changes in their environment and the key relationships they hold with their carers – just like humans!
• Spending time with the horses, learning about a particular horse’s life story that the YP has seemed to be drawn towards.
• Understanding more about his needs – physically and emotionally.
• His basic needs around diet v exercise, how his character and life experiences influence his relationship with food.
With understanding and acceptance comes the opportunity for making different independent and more confident choices for self, enabling the YP to develop resilience and strength and eventually to build a healthier relationship with food and with themselves.
Katherine Dillon.
