Friday 29 March 2024

Only 8% of those who suffer from Anorexia and Bulimia seek help

In the first six months of operations, Dar Kenn Għall-Saħħtek helped 15 residents to overcome Eating Disorders through free professional holistic therapy.

Malta is no exception to other European countries, where it comes to the issue of Anorexia, Bulimia and other Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS). 0.9% of the population suffer from these conditions, which at times can even be fatal. From these, only 8% sought for assistance to overcome their condition. Statistics also show that the extent of the problem, because not only the biggest category of people who face this disorder are adolescents aged 15 to 19 years, however we’re facing a situation where the age of those who encounter this problem is constantly going down.

The experience and work of Dar Kenn Għall-Saħħtek, were the subject of a Seminar aimed for the Healthcare professionals. This seminar was a first of its kind and it was targeted to deliver information about the holistic therapy, which is given at the Residence, where the residents are given the cure for all aspects of the conditions of eating disorders and obesity.

Thanks to its team of professionals in psychiatry, physiotherapy, dieticians, nutritionists, occupational therapists, psychologists, nurses and nursing aides, amongst others, Dar Kenn Għall-Saħħtek is committed to offer an integrated and inclusive cure in a state-of-the art environment.

Darleen Zerafa, Director of Dar Kenn Għall-Saħħtek, spoke about the work that took place in the first six months of this centre. 15 people suffering from Anorexia and Bulimia were treated for free. Although the number is encouraging, Ms Zerafa announced that there will be a number of campaigns, including in schools, to increase awareness about

the conditions and how can one access cure and help. Ms Zerafa also spoke about the fact that in this centre, cure is also given to the families of the residents. Other presentations were done by the Chairperson of the Foundation, Dr. Anton Grech, Professor Thomas Attard- Consultant Gastroenterologist at Dar Kenn għal Saħħtek, Dr. Samuel Aquilina, Nutritionist Shylene Taliana, and Dr. Maria Vicini Nutritionist and Dr Giovanni Antonelli consultant in Eating disorders at specialised centres in Italy.

The presentations revealed that there is a direct link between mental well being, eating disorders and malnutrition. In 40% – 80% of the cases there is an issue of depression and/or anxiety.

Addressing those present, Emeritus President George Abela, explained that this centre is a centre of excellence. Its uniqueness is not only related to the physical aspect of the premises but also in the way the patient is treated in a holistic manner, where the patient is in the centre of the therapy. He explained that Dar Kenn Għall-Saħħtek helps the patient establish a reason to be alive.

He also explained that for the first time, there is an on-going data collection exercise about these conditions, which should shed more light on the cure required and causes for the conditions. He urged those who suffer from any condition of the sort to be courageous and take the first step.

He expressed satisfaction for the launch of the ‘Food and Nutrition Policy’ and appealed on the importance that in the implimentation of the policies, all authorities work in synergy with the Dar Kenn għall-Saħħtek.

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