As we continue to mourn the passing of model Isabelle Caro, who became famous after posing for an anti-anorexia campaign, we were strikingly reminded of how anorexia effects not only the person with the eating disorder, but also family members. Marie Caro, Isabelle’s mother, has committed suicide according to a report in The Daily Mail.
Isabelle’s stepfather, Christian, spoke with Swiss Newspaper, 20 Minutes, about Marie’s passing. Although he did not specifically address the complexities of how Isabelle’s struggles and subsequent death affected the family, he did note that Marie was feeling “guilty” for sending Isabelle to the hospital in Bichat where she eventually died. The Caro family has alleged that the hospital was negligent in disconnecting Isabelle connected from life support. The family has filed charges with the Prosecutor’s office in Paris.
Isabelle lost her long battle with anorexia in November. She suffered from the illness since the age of 13. Isabelle is most famous for appearing in an Italian ad campaign intended to show the public the horrors of anorexia. This helped rivet global attention on the problem of anorexia and in the fashion industry.
Marie’s recent death highlights the need to support families who have a member with an eating disorder. It can be a scary and stressful situation. Becky Henry is the author of recently released book Just Tell Her To Stop: Family Stories of Eating Disorders jokingly calls herself an “unwilling expert” on eating disorders. The mother of a daughter with anorexia, Becky describes how in the past parents were “blamed” for their children’s eating disorders. “Families are essential to the recovery of someone facing these illnesses,” she says. Becky encourages families to arm themselves with the “skills, tools, support and knowledge to withstand the assault eating disorders bring to our families to be able to support our loved ones in their recovery.” Parents are important in recovery and need help to be such supports.
In a related story Nancy Hayssen, plus size model and author of Sexy at Any Size! is speaking out in response to Isabelle’s death and especially the impossible ideals of beauty endorsed by Hollywood and the fashion industry. The "Sexy Plus Size" movement began in response to Isabelle’s anti-anorexia billboards. Nancy is trying to give women the message that they can look and feel sexy regardless of weight or size.Nancy says, "I feel sexy and confident of my voluptuous body. I believe ‘Sexy is a State of Mind.’”
An important sentiment indeed.
For a personal perspective on families, click here.
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Comments
This is just devastating...
Yes, a real tragedy.
This is just devastating...
This is just devastating...
So sad but so true how everyone around you is affected by this disease.
Yes, it is. That's why it's so important for families to have support too.
Heidi,
Thank you for sharing this important information so families can see they are not alone and it isn't their fault. This is why I started this business, to help families to get the information, tools and reclaim joy so the eating disorder doesn't take their lives too.
Becky Henry
Hope Network President and Author of Just Tell Her To Stop: Family Stories of Eating Disorders
This devastating loss, the second as a result of the disorder anorexia, clearly shows the grief experienced by those left behind, after the death of a loved one from their eating disorder. We must stop blaming families for the development of this illness. And instead focus our attention on supporting and guidance these families, in obtaining the information and resources needed to effectively treat this illness.
I applaud the amazing work of Beck Henry, who has dedicated her life to not just supporting families in crisis, but helping to create an awareness of this issue, as well as training health care providers in the identification and assessment of eating disorders.
Her book, "Just Tell Her To Stop" is a must read for all families that are struggling to support their children who have been diagnosed with an eating disorder.
Dawn Hynes
Co-Founder of Eating for LIfe Alliance (college ED resource center)
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