Ideas please for unhappy ill niece (london)

bigmomma051204

LadyMorticia wrote: »

You sound like a fantastic aunt. I wish I had someone like you when I was at the height of my eating disorder.

I don't have anything to add other than what previous posters have suggested but I just wanted to say that I hope that your niece makes a full recovery. I've struggled with an eating disorder since I was 9 and I know how incredibly hard the journey is. Every step forward, no matter how small, is a step in the right direction.

Thanks - sounds like you have had a long journey xx

She has been there for a few months now - she is eating, because obviously they reward them in little ways to keep them motivated but to be honest, i am not convinced that recovery is going to be any time soon
She has recently said to my sister that she wants to lose 3/4 of the weight she has gained there once she is released, and she hopes this will happen in the new year. :(:(

Its so hard - I totally understand that its a mental illness and that she cannot help it, but I still just think back to just over a year ago when it hadnt yet "started" and wish we could go back in time to try and prevent it... I almost want to just shake her and say "snap out of it, you are perfect and beautiful and you NEED to eat" But obviously that wouldn't make one iota of difference and would just isolate her further.

But I want to punch Anorexia in the stupid ugly face and tell it to P*ss off!!!!!!! :(:(

chickenpants

I was recently in hospital for a month and things I received from friends and family were really appreciated, those that might be appropriate would be:
A big soft warm dressing gown
Comfy fluffy socks
Some decent books
Some nice smellies eg. Lush, soap and glory, body shop
My iPod sent in that had been preloaded with some music and podcasts
Would she like puzzle books or anything crafty?

I second sending several little parcels if you can, it made my day when I received something in the post on a dreary afternoon.

heartbreak_star

Comfort above all else - I second snuggly PJs and fluffy slippers.

Maybe something nice in the way of hair conditioner too? Eating disorders play havoc with hair.

HBS x

lushlifesaver

When I worked in a rehab project for women with eating disorders (as well as many other life controlling issues) many of our women loved anything crafty to take their mind off being 'in-patients', slippers, pjs and a dressing gown all super warm and comforting are likely to go down well too. Pamper type products can be good but only if she is a girl who likes them usually, if she has more body image issues be sure it is timed right.

At our project all 'sharpes' (pen, pencils, kitchen knives, scissors, sewing needles etc etc) were kept in the office as many of the women also struggled with self injury. Similarly paints etc were kept in the office/ COSHH cupboard

As another poster has said though I would maybe drop the unit a message and ask for their input - the staff will be able to give you an idea of what they allow/don't allow as well as anything she may have mentioned missing or which may help her feel more settled

sharnad

Give the office a ring, see whats on the banned list. Bodyshop had the big body butters for a £5 yesterday, the lush sale will also be on. You could get her a nice shower gel. A paid of heat holders socks, some loccaitane hand cream. A puzzle book.

Marmite27

My first thought was a cross stitch magazine/kit but the comment about sharps made me rethink that.

What about a crochet magazine? at this time of year there's all the part works starting which will have a couple of balls and a hook and instructions.

If she likes it you can get cool and funky balls of wool from hobbycraft etc.

Hope she makes a full recovery, x