Italy’s ‘Suspended Therapy’ Project Offers Support for Eating Disorders

The ‘Suspended Therapy’ initiative, inspired by the Neapolitan custom of ‘suspended coffee,’ aims to provide mental health support for individuals suffering from eating disorders in Italy. This tradition began during World War II, where patrons would pay for two cups of coffee—one for themselves and one for someone in need. Cinzia Fumagalli, President of Ananke Family, highlights this tradition as a symbol of compassion and support for the community.

In Italy, approximately 3.5 million people struggle with eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these issues, leading to a reported 30% increase in cases, according to Dr. Laura Dalla Ragione, a psychiatrist and founder of the SOS DCA hotline. In 2023, the hotline received over three times the number of assistance requests compared to previous years.

The impact of eating disorders is stark, with 3,780 deaths linked to these conditions in 2023, making them the second leading cause of death among adolescents after road accidents. Alarmingly, the average age of onset has dropped to around 12 or 13 years, with some cases starting as young as 8 or 9.

Eugenia Dozio, head of the Nutrition Area at Villa Miralago, emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary approach to treating eating disorders, which often requires psychiatric, psychological, nutritional, and internal evaluations. However, the limited resources available in public health systems hinder effective treatment.

Economic factors significantly affect families dealing with eating disorders, with unemployment and low income complicating access to necessary care. The ‘Suspended Therapy’ project, launched by the Ananke Family APS Association in 2023, has already aided hundreds of patients across Italy by allowing individuals to donate therapy sessions or packages for those who cannot afford them.

Supporters can contribute through the Ananke Family website, which manages donations to ensure that funds go directly to qualified professionals across the country. This initiative addresses the long wait times and lack of empathy often found in public clinics, providing families with an alternative that can lead to timely and compassionate care.

Giuseppe Rauso, President of Emmepi4Ever, notes that families frequently seek private care due to the lengthy public health system wait times, which can delay critical treatment. He urges that initiatives like ‘Suspended Therapy’ are vital in providing immediate support to families already burdened by the disease and financial strain.

Cinzia Fumagalli concludes, ‘Every donation can make a difference. In a country where public health cannot cover all vulnerabilities, solidarity becomes care and presence that can save a life.’ The project continues to accept donations, fostering a community effort to combat the rising tide of eating disorders in Italy.