Description

Written and Illustrated by
Elizabeth Ann Oates and
Sarah Jane Oates

ISBN: 978-1-84991-854-1
Published: 2012
Pages: 140
Key Themes: Mental Health, Anorexia, Interview, Illustration, Poetry

Description

The book is an interview about how the twins have coped with the anorexia and how it has affected them individually. Although Sarah has admitted she has anorexia, she cannot say that she is recovered or may not ever fully recover. She can say however, that she has wasted that part of her life and is ready to move on. This book is a celebration to both the sisters that Sarah is still here and the pressure is off Elizabeth to help Sarah. The sisters want to raise awareness of anorexia and the affect it can have on close family and friends. Talking about it and getting help is the way forward, for the victim and for the family and friends.

About the Authors

Elizabeth and Sarah were born in 1979, and both developed eating disorders when they were 16 years old, having left school and moving onto Sixth Form. Elizabeths bulimia lasted a couple of years, but Sarahs anorexia has haunted her through her 20s, and after admitting having it a couple of years ago, is still recovering today. Sarah tried to go into hospital but her weight was not low enough, and Elizabeth tried to commit suicide and harmed herself a few times during her twenties, eventually leading to voluntarily hospital admission in 2008. Elizabeth just could not cope with the pressure of seeing her sister poorly and felt absolutely helpless. Since coming out of hospital, Elizabeth is taking medication and Sarah has realised the affect she has had on her sister. They are now closer since they have talked about it and lead happy, healthy lifestyles, both having a job, running competitively, and raising money for mental health.