It is National Eating Disorder Awareness Week. We will be discussing eating disorders and helping to break the stigma surrounding them. It is believed that approximately 1.25 million people suffer from an eating disorder, either diagnosed or undiagnosed.
One of the most dangerous eating disorders is Anorexia Nervosa.
Ellie has been diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa and this is her story:
“I, myself, was in denial for so long, I tried to convince myself that I could ‘fix’ it all on my own. But the truth is I couldn’t, and I ended up getting to an extremely critical state.
A lot of people don’t realise just how much an eating disorder can impact your life and change who you are as a person. There is a common misconception that eating disorders are ‘glamourous,’ ‘attention seeking,’ or ‘just a diet’. The reality is, however that you feel faint from simply standing up, you’re cold 24/7, you’re numb to EVERY emotion and your hair falls out. You think about food all time, but you can’t bring yourself to even eat a grape without the guilt consuming you and feeling like you’re not good enough for food.
You lie to your family and friends, you isolate yourself from everyone and everything. You can’t sleep, you can’t focus and simple conversations become mentally straining; concentration becomes impossible. I became so ill I had to temporarily withdraw from university and give up my part-time job, both of which I absolutely adored.
This is extremely hard for me to talk about as I’m still in my recovery, and I’m in no way looking for pity or sympathy, but if it helps even just one person to find the courage to reach out for help and know that they’re not alone, than I honestly believe it is worth it.”
66% of Anorexia sufferers do not get the help they need. If you are suffering, or if you know of someone that needs help, do not hesitate to contact Orri-Uk , Beating Eating Disorders, Anorexia Bulimia Care.