Lorna, how did you feel, when you first found out you had anorexia?

At first I didn’t believe it and kept asking why. I didn’t understand why I had to have it. I didn’t believe I could get it, it never happens to people like me. Other people get these conditions, not me. I didn’t believe I could get anorexia because I thought I was fat.

Why do you think you developed an eating disorder?

There were problems in my family and I was being bullied at school. Anorexia was the easiest thing; it was something I could control.

Did you know you had anorexia?

No. I’d had it a year before doctors told me I’d got it. I felt not eating was normal so I ignored my friends who told me I had a problem.

How did others react?

My parents were devastated and blamed themselves. My friends stayed as supportive as they’d always been.

How could others have helped?

Before I found out they could have persuaded me to eat more and just support me all the time. After I found out they could have given me more of a push.

Do you have any advice for others in your position?

Listen to the people around you, they’re telling you for your benefit. The longer you have the problem, the harder it is to stop. Most importantly, don’t look at models and celebrities and think you’re fat.

How did they help you in the clinic?

They watched me for the first few weeks to see how I’d cope. They gave me information on food and counseling about food and my family to find out what the main problem was. At meal times they talked to me to distract me from the food and they treated me like a member of the family.

How did doctors discover you had anorexia?

They weighed me twice per week and realised I was underweight. When I stopped eating completely they realised it was serious.

What was it like being around people with the same condition as you?

It was helpful. We all understood each other and were able to share good and bad times with each other, which was helpful.

Jenny, 16, has seen Lorna all the way through her condition and saw Lorna while she was receiving medical help. Out of everybody in our group of friends, Jenny and Lorna are closest and so Jenny has agreed for me to interview her, because she knows more about Lorna’s condition

Were you aware that Lorna had an eating disorder before doctors confirmed it?

Yes, because she wasn’t eating and she was very thin.

As a friend, how did you feel when she wasn’t eating?

I was obviously concerned but frustrated because she wouldn’t eat and we could see she had a problem.I bought her dinner for her and told teachers she wouldn’t eat so they could talk to her. We also tried nagging her but it didn’t work.

How did you react to her condition?

I tried to help and be sympathetic.

How did you feel when Lorna went into the clinic?

I was upset but pleased because it meant she could get help. I guess I was relieved more than anything.

How do you feel now she’s out?

I’m really happy because it means she’s better.

What would you like to see Lorna do for the future?

I want her to stay healthy and keep eating.

Have you any advice for people whose friends are anorexic?

Be supportive and don’t lose patience. Try and tell someone and make sure they know you’re there. You’re their friend so keep supporting them and don’t leave them.

The two most important people to support Lorna through her condition were obviously her parents. Lorna’s parents were very supportive and visited her as much as possible while she was in the clinic. This is their story…

How did you find out Lorna had an eating disorder?

We found out through school as they noticed before we did. We noticed at home afterwards, it was then we realised she’d disguised it by wearing loose clothing.

How did you feel?

We were shocked, concerned and guilty because we hadn’t noticed beforehand.

Did you know before doctors confirmed it?

Yes because her school had told us. We tried to encourage her to eat and make sure she ate in front of us. We tried to find the right help for her and we gave her support but tried not to pressurise her.

How did you feel when Lorna went into the clinic?

We were upset and missed her obviously but we were relieved because we knew it was the right thing for her. We’re glad she’s on the road to recovery.

Have you any advice for people whose children are anorexic?

Get help and keep an eye on them because they can be devious. Support them and don’t give up on them. Don’t pressurise them. Remember, it’s a long battle, and there’s no such thing as an overnight recovery.   Don’t expect a sufferer to be completely cured when they come out of hospital. Even though they’re on the road to recovery give them support. Their condition can be for life so you must always be prepared to listen.   Lorna was lucky, she was able to admit she had an eating disorder and told people so they could understand and help her. As Lorna was able to admit she had a problem she allowed herself to receive support from friends and family which also meant she was able to receive medical attention quickly which lead her on to the road of recovery.   Unfortunately, some people don’t admit they had a problem and so consequently they don’t receive the support and treatment they deserve in time. This could lead to long term illness or in the most extreme cases, death.   Here is another true story found on the BBC website...   http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/7964449.stm   We hope that this might be able to help!