Marion Moves Beyond Illness To Brighter Life
Illawarra Mercury
Monday February 17, 2003
WOLLONGONG'S Marion Maclean is a different woman to the gym junkie who once spent 40 hours a week working on her body.
Mrs Maclean had an undiagnosed obsessive compulsive disorder which eventually led to a marriage break-up and a breakdown.
``Twelve years ago very few doctors were aware of a `nervosa' type disorder related to excessive exercise so it wasn't surprising I didn't understand my addiction at the time," Mrs Maclean said.
There wasn't anyone prepared to discuss the disorder then, she said.
``My problem was caused by a combination of things and I had no idea how to deal with the resulting stress."
Trial and error eventually resulted in management of her disorder and a bright outcome with a new marriage and the birth of a daughter two years ago.
``I am still a little compulsive with small things but understanding the problem for me was in many ways the solution," she said.
``You look at teenagers these days with HSC, peer pressure and the prospect of war and wonder how they are coping.
``I'm not surprised stress and anxiety levels are rising particularly for this age group.
``The big danger for them is turning to drugs and alcohol as a release."
Mrs Maclean said she hoped the Bureau of Statistics' survey resulted in more funds directed towards mental health preventative programs for young people.
``I learned the hard way that understanding the problem and learning how to deal with it is the key to recovery.
``You can't make the stress disappear but there are ways to cope with it."
© 2003 Illawarra Mercury