– It is very sad what is happening now. There are more and more people who are left out, who are in pain, but who can get help.
That’s what Åse Minde says, one of the people with the most experience in treating eating disorders in Norway.
On Saturday, TV 2 told the story of how twins Mina and Mille Hjalmarsen (16) developed serious eating disorders and began to get drunk. Two weeks ago they were found dead from what were probably overdoses.
The case upsets Minde violently.
– It shows that something is wrong and I have been concerned about that for many years. There are holes in the system. You don’t cooperate well enough.
OUTRAGED: Åse Minde has worked with eating disorders since the 1980s. For a long time she has been concerned about what she believes has been a disturbing development. Photo: Lage Ash / TV 2
– Must be treated over time
Since 2001, Minde has built up and managed a special outpatient clinic for eating disorders in Gaustad at Oslo University Hospital.
She has written books and articles about treatment methods that have been translated into several languages.
Minde has been concerned that as a therapist you should meet the whole person and not just the disorder or the diagnosis. She emphasizes that she does not know the details of Mina and Mille’s case, and speaks on a general basis.
– They need treatment over time. Once it has slipped out, and someone has developed an eating disorder or a drug problem, it takes time. That’s what they don’t get anymore, she says.
READ THE STRONG STORY:
Mille and Mina (16) died. Now the parents are telling who the twins were.
– Tragic
According to Minde, there has instead been a continuous downsizing of psychiatry over many years.
– It is completely tragic that they are cutting back and that it is very difficult to get a 24-hour place. Many people need an inpatient place and that the inpatient unit afterwards cooperates and ensures further follow-up of those who have been admitted, she says.
The parents of the twins are supported by child protection when they say that the girls should have been offered 24-hour places in psychiatry.
HEALTHY GIRLS: Growing up, the girls ate normally. . Photo: Private
– What has happened, especially in the last ten years, is a constant tightening of resources and funds. Each individual manager must fight for his outpatient clinic, says Minde.
Strong reactions
Reactions have been strong after the twins’ family told their story on Saturday.
The children’s ombudsman, by Inga Bejer Engh, believes that children who are in one way or another under public care suffer from what she describes as a lack of interaction between child protection, the health system and the school sector.
Child protection is often left with much of the responsibility alone, and without the expertise and framework to provide the help that is needed, she believes.
WEIGHT LOST: The girls lost many kilos in a short time. Photo: Private
– For children under public care, we have told the parents that “OK, now you have to give up or you have chosen to give up yourself – now the authorities will take over”. Then we must ensure that the care provided is of the highest class, says the Children’s Ombudsman, and continues:
– Unfortunately, it is not today.
Will not comment
There are currently around 3,000 24-hour places in Norway.
When the current government came to power, they were clear that they will stop the reduction in the number of beds.
However, several, including the renowned psychiatrist Randi Rosenqvist, have advocated that instead of stopping the demolition, it should be rebuilt.
TV 2 has made repeated attempts to get an interview with Minister of Health Ingvild Kjerkol about the criticism from the Children’s Ombudsman and Minde. She has refused to answer questions, because the Spydeberg case is now under investigation.
TAUS: The Minister of Health will not answer general questions, and points out that the twin deaths must be investigated. Photo: Christian Roth Christensen / TV 2
TV 2 has also been in contact with the Minister of Health in the previous government, Bent Høie. He believes he cannot comment because of his current role as state administrator in Rogaland.
– This is urgent
Both Minde and Bejer Engh point out that there are financial and human costs in not making the treatment systems work better.
– This is very urgent. It applies to children who are living their lives now. It is very expensive for the individual child, the individual family and also for society, says Bejer Engh.
– It’s almost as if something has to happen immediately. They need to be seen and met with understanding, and receive treatment and follow-up over time. It may take several years, but it is worth it and it costs much less, says Minde.
