Nowadays Jenske de Roos (27) from Prinsenbeek looks with pleasure at all the goodies on the Christmas table. That was different for a long time: for seven years she struggled with the eating disorder anorexia. A table full of delicacies mainly caused her stress and anxiety. She now uses her experiences as a care provider at Changes GGZ in Breda: “The most beautiful gift I could have given 16-year-old Jenske.”
“People often don’t know what an eating disorder means,” says Jenske. “It is quickly seen as posturing: just eat it. But that is precisely the problem. There is a mental blockage that prevents this from happening, often caused by a trauma from the past.”
Tough period
Now that Jenske has overcome her eating disorder, she helps others with this problem, as a mental health care provider and as a counselor influencer on TikTok. She believes this is especially important during the holidays. “Christmas can be very tough,” she confirms. “The amount of food on the table can be extremely triggering.”
That is why it is important that people with an eating disorder sound the alarm. “Involve your family or friends in your problem, no matter how difficult that is,” Jenske advises. “It gives them clarity when you are sitting tensely at dinner. Agree together what is best for you: a warm hug or just a breath of fresh air in the garden. This often gives you energy to regain your composure.”
Eating disorders are not the person themselves
Jenske also has tips for friends and family. “Disconnect the eating disorder from the person,” she says. “Don’t ask questions like: why don’t you eat this? or why isn’t it working? The eating disorder imposes a will on someone. At such a moment you don’t address the person, but the disorder.”
“Encourage someone,” Jenske advises. “For example, say: you can do it or you are stronger than the disorder. Show that someone is not alone. That already takes away a large part of the power of an eating disorder.”