Dr Andrew Leech FRACGP, MBBS, B.Science, DipChildHealth is a GP and Clinic Director at The Garden Family Medical Clinic in Perth. He has a special interest in child and adolescent mental health and works closely with families navigating complex emotional and developmental challenges. Andrew is a speaker, author, educator, and advocate for compassionate, early mental health care.
Sometimes, despite years of training in communication, clinical judgement and diagnosis, the only words I can find to say are, “I'm so sorry.”
Jessica had only recently confessed to her Mum what had been happening. She'd been hiding food, calorie counting, skipping meals, and sticking to fewer than 500 calories a day. She was exercising more, and becoming increasingly fatigued and moody. She'd done what so many young people do when things feel out…