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Eating disorders among concerns for which there is help by Tim Whitnell Metroland Media West 13 | Thursday, December 18, 2014 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com There are many resources available in Halton for residents feeling the effects of stress or depression, are having thoughts of suicide, or for those who want to help someone else. Key dates or times of the year, and holidays such as Christmas, can trigger or exacerbate challenges and stress. Among the local resources is COAST, which provides Halton residents aged 16 and older experiencing a mental health crisis with outreach and support. It is composed of healthcare workers and Halton Regional Police officers trained in mental health and crisis intervention. Family doctors and walk-in medical clinics can provide referral information about hospitalco-ordinated mental health programs. A specific mental health issue that often requires intervention is eating-related disorders. Burlington-based Danielle's Place Eating Disorder Support and Resource Centre is a regional provider of free support for people suffering from conditions, such as bulimia and anorexia -- before, during and after treatment. It does not treat its clients. "Often, people reach out to Danielle's Place because they have just learned or suspect that someone they love has an eating disorder and they are desperate for information and support," said Rose MacDonald, executive director of Dan- MacDonald said between Oct. 1, 2013 and providing with personal support are 12 years Sept. 30, 2014 (its fiscal year), Danielle's Place old. We are also working with a mom whose received 500 requests for support via email, tele- child is four years old. phone and in person. "It surprised me to learn from a speech paSince Oct. 1, 2014, there have been 115 re- thologist recently that this is not highly unusual quests for support. for children who have experienced medical inBetween Oct 1, 2013 and now, the centre has tervention, such as tube feeding at a very young provided 658 individual support sessions for age," noted MacDonald. those either struggling directly with an eating Danielle's Place's oldest active client is 72. "Clearly, this refutes the misconception that disorder or someone who is caring for them. ielle's Place. During that period, 561 people attended this is an illness isolated to adolescence," said "When those who personally struggle with group meetings and 49 attended two education MacDonald. disordered eating finally reach a point where they evenings. The ratio of clients supported at Danielle's are ready to access help, they are shocked to learn "The youngest clients that we are currently Place is 99 per cent female. that wait lists for publicly-funded medical and clinical treatment can be very long, sometimes months." MacDonald said privately-funded treatment program costs are often prohibitive and very restrictive, which can create additional barriers for those with multiple issues, such as mental illness or substance addictions. The reasons for reaching out to Danielle's Place vary, she said. "Clients report unsuccessful outcomes from previous experience with traditional medical 905.338.6333 models, frustration when attempting to navigate 146 Lakeshore Rd.W. the healthcare system, fear that a lack of immeMonday to Sunday · From 7:00 am to 3:00 pm diate response will impede recovery and a need for ongoing support that exceeds time-restricted Upon purchase of a meal valued at $ 10 or more, receive the second one at half programs. price. Promotions are valid upon presentation of this coupon only. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer. One coupon per client, per visit. Not valid Unfortunately, these (reasons) have not on Early Bird, Lunch Express menus and holidays.Valid from Monday to changed over the years." Sunday at Ben & Florentine Oakville. Expiration date : January 31st, 2015 1/2 PRICE Holiday Sale Stocking Stuffers K-Cups Loose Tea Biscotti Custom Gift Baskets Gift Cards Secret Santa Gifts " W h e re c o ff e e p e o p l e g o t o b u y t h e i r c o ff e e " O v e r 5 0 0 v a r i e t i e s o f C o f f e e & Te a TM $11.99 box of 24 BUY ANY 2 Winterfest or Cup O'Cocoa $149.99 $6.50 Box of 12 At Home Espresso Bundle GET ANY 3RD M A RT I N S O N in December ---------------------- FREE $6.99 Box of 12 355 Wyecroft Rd, Oakville ( 9 0 5 ) 847-1800 Monday - Friday: 7:30am - 6pm Saturday: 9am - 5pm Sunday: 10am - 4pm HUGE Dec 19-21 This Weekend Only SALE Everest brewer (Nespresso compatible) Stainless steel milk frother 1 free box of Molinari espresso (10 capsules) $8.25 Box of 12 Vis it U s O nline: w w w.p erso nalserviceco ffee.ca