“My eating disorder recovery story”: Mental Health Awareness Week

16 May 25

For Mental Health Awareness Week, we heard an inspiring story about eating disorder recovery from someone who was supported by HPFT.

This year’s theme is “community”, celebrating the power of community to support mental wellbeing.

They were supported through our Regional Virtual Intensive Treatment Service (VIT), a 12-week programme in which we deliver intensive treatment to adults with an eating disorder.

Having a supportive community can make an incredible difference during recovery – our VIT service involves both 1:1 sessions and virtual support groups, helping those receiving care to connect with people who are having similar experiences. We want you to know that you are not alone in your struggles, and that there are people out there who can support and encourage you.

A purple graphic with a question stating: "What is your experience of an eating disorder and how were you supported by the VIT team?"

I developed my eating disorder during my early teenage years, during a period of my life where everything around me seemed to change overnight. For me, my eating disorder was a way for me to control what I couldn’t control at home.

I came to VIT in December of 2023 after being discharged from an inpatient admission. VIT supported me as I transitioned back into the community and helped me to stay on track during the early days outside of hospital.

Not only did VIT keep me accountable and ensure that I was staying on track with my meal plan, but they also offered support to my dad and I as we encountered some challenges when I moved in with him after being discharged from the ward. The work my dad and I were able to do with VIT helped me to continue in my recovery outside of VIT.

A purple graphic with a question stating: "What advice would you give to someone on their eating disorder recovery journey?"

To put it simply, consistency is key. Whilst it is so very challenging in the early days of recovery, and even as our recovery journeys continue there may be bumps along the way, but with each challenge you face and overcome, bit by bit it does get easier.

Celebrate each win, no matter how big or small. For me, recognising each milestone and achievement gives me the motivation to keep pushing forward in my recovery.

A purple graphic with a question stating: "What strategies do you find helpful when managing an eating disorder?"

Distractions have continued to help me as I recover, whether it be watching something or talking to somebody whilst I eat or playing a game afterwards to keep my mind busy.

Comfy clothes! I filled a few bags full of clothes which either didn’t fit anymore or made me feel negative about my body when I wore them, and donated them to charity, allowing me to begin recovery with clothes that make me feel good and this is something I am continuing to do.

I think having a safe space to be able to offload and dump negative thoughts can be really helpful. For me, this has been journaling and writing poetry, but I know others who use art or music, but there are so many other possibilities.

A purple graphic with a question stating: "What are you proudest of on your recovery journey? What are you looking forward to?"

I have a lot to be proud of in my recovery so far, so to name a few I would say being discharged from services at the start of this year and preparing to leave for university in September to begin my nursing career which has been my dream since I was a child.

I know recovery is terrifying, and some days it can feel like the whole world is against you, but I promise that recovery is so very worth it. It might possibly be the hardest thing you will ever have to fight in your lifetime, but if you can fight your eating disorder, there is no telling how strong you are and how much you are yet to achieve.

Whilst it might be scary, reach out for help. There will always be someone there to listen to you, and whilst not everyone will understand, there will always be people who are willing to learn how best to support you.
Time flies by once you start living your life again, and there really is no looking back. I have achieved things this past year, even just in the last five months, which I never thought would be possible and without recovery, they wouldn’t be.

Surround yourself with people who love you for who you truly are. You are enough as you are and so worthy of nourishment, happiness and freedom.

If you are seeking mental health support, please contact your GP, or you can call NHS 111 option 2 or our 24/7 Single Point of Access (SPA) mental health helpline on 0800 6444 101.

Related Pages

“My eating disorder recovery story”: Mental Health Awareness Week