Your body is beautiful, it’s the home in which you stay…
Every Step, Another Story
Welcome to Every Step, Another Story. My name is Jess, and I am full of life, happiness and aspirations. Sadly, these qualities were more recently disguised with weakness, isolation and despair due to a diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa. However, after several months in treatment, I am determined to use this blog to show that positivity can always be created from negative situations.
I regret not getting help sooner....
I had filled in the self assessment questionnaire on the South Yorkshire eating disorders association (SYEDA) website a few times before I over the years, but never took up the offer of an assessment, thinking I could sort things out myself. But then the problem kept coming back.
I eventually accessed SYEDA and my only regret is that I didn't do it sooner.
I received expert and professional help in a safe confidential environment I feel much more aware of the reason for some of my behaviours and better equipped to cope with situations.
I feel fortunate to have been able to access this service, I would urge any one thinking about getting help to go for it!
Carmen talks about her recovery from an eating disorder
Recovery is possible
A Stepping Stone to Recovery
So, going back 13 years…… I made a friend who wanted to lose weight and I helped her. We went on walks, ate light lunches and were generally ‘healthy.’ I basically went on a diet by mistake and of course lost weight when I didn’t need too. As a result people around me were worried. But I felt the happiest I had ever felt.
I Have Come Out the Other Side
A 20 Year Journey
Receiving Support from SYEDA
This is just a brief testimony of how I've benefited from the support of Syeda over the last few years. Initially I attended the Support Group. This was at a time when I was just coming to terms with the idea that I might have an eating disorder and needed a space to talk without feeling judged. I felt understood by the people I met there. The facilitators at the time gave me strong role models of what recovery looked like. I also used the group to keep me motivated as I moved further into recovery from anorexia.
Seeking Medical Assistance for Eating Disorders
When I arrived at the University of Sheffield I had just been diagnosed with anorexia. I had not discussed it with anyone at this point except for the GP who diagnosed me. It is only looking back on it that I realise how confused I felt. Part of me was desperate to talk about it to someone. However, I must admit that part of me was reluctant to seek treatment.
