ARFID: Unveiling a Lesser-known Eating Disorder and the Effects on the Family
In this episode, Danna Levy Hoffmann shares her personal and powerful story about coping with a family health crisis. Her teenage son, Sky, developed a range of digestive health issues, and the journey to get a diagnosis was complex, emotional, and taxing for the entire family.
After going through numerous consultations, tests, and hospital admissions, they eventually discovered that the symptoms were a psychological manifestation of an eating disorder called ARFID, which was triggered by a fear of vomiting (emetophobia).
Danna provides insights into how this ongoing health crisis affected her family's dynamics and personal mental health, and she shares valuable lessons about compassion, the limitations of her own skills as a trained health coach, and the healing power of embracing vulnerability. Through strength and perseverance, the family continues to make progress towards health and recovery.