Anorexia: A Son's Battle, A Mother's War

Eating disorders are rapidly becoming the scourge of the 21st century. Yet, despite the worldwide increase in reported diagnoses, many remain unaware of the harrowing effects that these psychological conditions impose. Eating disorders wage savage war on the mind, body and soul of not only the diagnosed individual, but every one concerned with the diagnosed individual. Anorexia: A Son's Battle, A Mother's War aims to expose the indicative and sometimes secretive characteristics of anorexia nervosa through the perspective of a mother. Referring to difficult lived experiences of caring for a teenage son with anorexia nervosa, this book is both powerful and emotional. Furthermore, it makes reference to the medical definitions of eating disorders, provides an historical context as well as highlighting useful practices to aid effective support and recovery. Not only is this book is a definite first weapon in anyone's arsenal for fighting the enemy commonly known as eating disorders, it is one of the most vital tools for trainee psychotherapists, counsellors, nurses, psychologists, doctors, youth workers, psychiatrists, college and university lecturers and school teachers.

Debbie Roche, mother of three, is a former health and social care lecturer. Personal experiences of caring for and supporting her youngest son living with anorexia encouraged her to establish No to Eating Disorders (NotED) www.noteduk.com, an eating disorders awareness and support group. Aware of the challenges for those with mental health distress and illnesses, Debbie shifted her focus and energies into the mental health arena. She is the Plymouth Mental Health Network coordinator, a member of the Devon Eating Disorders Pathways Group and the Plymouth Suicide Prevention Strategy Partnership. She is also a member of the Healthwatch Plymouth Steering Group. Self-employed Debbie is an accredited Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) trainer and owner of Snapshot Mental Health, a training organisation which delivers a diverse range of mental health related awareness courses. Although Debbie has seen some of her poetry in print, this is her first book. Originally from Sheffield in South Yorkshie, Debbie now lives in Plymouth, Devon.