A Fight Against ARFID and a Broken System
Vanessa's world turned upside down when her child, Haven, began exhibiting concerning eating habits. At just 11 years old, Haven started cutting their food portions in half, a seemingly innocuous act that spiraled into a life-threatening battle with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID).
Haven's journey has been marked by repeated hospital admissions, plummeting blood sugar levels, and a desperate struggle for long-term care and mental health support. Vanessa feels trapped in a broken system, where medical stabilization is offered but the root cause of Haven's ARFID remains unaddressed.
The situation is further exacerbated by the alarming rise in eating disorders among adolescents. In Victoria alone, cases have nearly doubled since 2012, highlighting the urgent need for specialized care and support.
While the Victorian government acknowledges the issue and has allocated funding for eating disorder services, concerns remain about the capacity of the system to meet the growing demand. Shadow Minister for Health Georgie Crozier emphasizes the need for increased investment and better support for families like Vanessa's.
Eating Disorders Victoria CEO Belinda Caldwell echoes these concerns, stressing the importance of early intervention and outpatient support services. The organization advocates for a comprehensive eating disorder strategy with a focus on prevention, early detection, and accessible treatment options.
Haven's story is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of eating disorders and the challenges families face in navigating a complex and often overwhelmed healthcare system. It's a call to action for increased awareness, investment, and a more holistic approach to tackling this growing public health crisis.