Expert: Dawn McNamara - 1/7/2012

Question
Hi,
  My wife had anorexia when she was a teenager.  She got over it and it's been some 40 years.   I was reading about Karen Carpenter and some speculate she had it because of her relationship with her mother.  Why I am writing is that I see something like that going on then and now as her mother is getting very old and sick and demanding more and more attention (which she didn't before).  Are there things I need to watch out for?

Answer
Yes, very much.
Shes amazingly lucky to have a husband who loves her so much and is willing to reach out.
Anorexia has so much to to with control issues, feelings of helplessness and guilt. The p  pressures, both physical and mental, may bring back those feelings. Especially as the demands for her attention grow over time. Things you can do to help her : give her a safe place to vent without reprecussion. Try to go with her as often as you can- this will help things feel more like a social visit. Helping her carve out  some personal time for a creative outlet will help as well. Keep an eye out signs of depression like fatigue, sleep problems, stomach or digestive issues, headaches, and feelings of guilt. Look out for secrecy, keep an eye out for laxatives, and a sudden or intensified interest in exercise, complaints of constipation, swollen cheeks, looser and looser clothing (hides thinness), sexual disinterest, Thinning hair. And of course weight loss, dieting and sudden picky-ness.
I think she has a tremendous support system in you.
If you have any other questions feel free to shoot them our way
Be well,
Dawn