When a teen boy developed an eating disorder, his family felt they'd 'lost him.' Now, he's sharing his story
CTV
Aware of the stereotypes and lack of knowledge about male eating disorders, a Canadian teen is sharing his story, hoping it helps others open up.
Warning: This article contains descriptions of disordered eating, including behaviours associated with anorexia nervosa. Reader discretion is advised.
Emil Bernstein enjoys playing sports and hanging out with his friends in Montreal. The 14-year-old doesn't mind school and prefers some subjects over others.
He generally appears to be an "optimistic and positive child," as his mom, Ane Jorgensen, describes him. Emil also struggles with an eating disorder.
He has anorexia nervosa, a term used for rapid weight loss due to severe restriction of food.
Emil's journey with an eating disorder started in the spring of 2021, a particularly difficult time for his parents, two sisters and him. Like many families in Canada, the Jorgensen-Bernsteins were navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, a factor that added stress to everyone's lives.
Emil's great-grandmother passed away that spring, and the Grade 6 student was going to be starting high school that fall.
The stress he was feeling started overwhelming him. Around this time, Emil said, he started looking at himself differently.
