Dr. June Alexander, a 74-year-old author and mental health advocate, has transformed her life after a long battle with anorexia nervosa that lasted over four decades. After struggling to maintain a healthy relationship with food from age 11 to 55, she found a path to recovery through diary writing and support from a psychiatrist.
For many years, Dr. Alexander felt guilt each time she attempted to eat three meals a day. This cycle of restriction and bingeing left her feeling out of control. It wasn’t until she hit a low point in her life that she sought help. Her psychiatrist recognized her talent for written expression and encouraged her to document her thoughts and feelings in a diary. This practice became a crucial part of her healing process.
“I learned to keep everything suppressed within me due to the messages I received growing up, such as ‘stop being silly’ and ‘why can’t you be like the other girls?'” Dr. Alexander explained. Through her diary entries, she was able to articulate her struggles and work through her emotions during therapy sessions.
At age 55, she achieved a breakthrough: she could eat three meals and three snacks each day without guilt. Now, Dr. Alexander leads a vibrant life filled with travel, family, and community involvement. She emphasizes that recovery is possible at any age. “Everyone deserves to live fully,” she said.
Her advocacy work includes writing eleven books on eating disorders, including her memoir, ‘A Girl Called Tim.’ Her personal diaries, chronicling her experiences with the illness, have been archived by the National Library of Australia.
Dr. Alexander’s journey highlights a growing concern about eating disorders among older adults. A report by the Butterfly Foundation and Deloitte Access Economics revealed that over 150,000 Australians aged 60 and older are affected by eating disorders. This statistic underscores the need for increased awareness and support for mature individuals facing these challenges.
Clinical psychologist Professor Sarah Maguire from the InsideOut Institute in Sydney notes genetic factors can influence the development of eating disorders, which often emerge during significant life changes. The Eating Disorders Genetics Initiative 2 (EDGI2) study is currently recruiting individuals with lived experience to explore the genetic links to eating disorders. Details about participation can be found at edgi2.org.au.
Support is available for those experiencing distress related to eating disorders or mental health issues. Lifeline can be reached at 13 11 14, Beyond Blue at 1300 224 636, and the Butterfly National Helpline at 1800 334 673. Dr. Alexander’s story serves to remind us that seeking help is a vital step towards recovery.
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