I have been suffering with an eating disorder for about 2 years now, where I was formally diagnosed in 2017 and have since been receiving outpatient treatment at an eating disorder clinic. It progressivly got worse to a point where I have become obsessive with eating only certain types of food, with the fear I feel whenever challenged or having to attend a social event, which I tend to avoid. The anxiety you feel eats away at you and you can be left feeling tormented by your own thoughts.

Since suffering I have become more aware of this mental health illness and the the stigma that surrounds eating disorders. Eating disorders are so much more than just about food, it is the way you think, your perception and your thoughts and beliefs which can then lead to developing this mental health illness. I have grown so much in the last year and have become aware of others and myself. Exploring my own thoughts and beliefs have changed my perception in so many ways, one of which is discovering that my eating disorder is a consequence of my distorted beliefs, and that I do not need to look a certain way, I am and have always been worthy the way I am, I do not need to seek acceptance. I am still on my journey to recovery but feel I am in a much better place mentally, but it is still a struggle but I know I will get there.

Eating disorders can effect anyone at any stage in their life, it is not exclusive. Assumptions should not be made on someone's appearance, as this mental health illness can effect anyone at any time. Eating disorders are not talked about enough, there is not enough awareness, so my mission is to raise and spread awareness of this illness and to combat the stigma that surrounds it. There are so many sufferers that are tackling this alone as they will find it difficult to tell someone, so hoping that the more we are open and talk about it, the more it will help others to reach out, as well as educating society as a whole.